Caboolture–Bribie Island Road, Bribie Island bridge, planning

The department is finalising a business case for the construction of a new bridge to Bribie Island.

The existing Bribie Island bridge was constructed in 1963 and consists of 2 traffic lanes and a narrow pedestrian pathway. The proposal for a new bridge forms part of the Queensland Government's broader strategy to upgrade the Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to a 4-lane standard.

The business case draws on previous studies and incorporates insights from technical investigations and community consultations. This has led to the proposal of a concept design for a new bridge.

The new bridge will feature 2 eastbound traffic lanes and a dedicated active transport path for bicycle riders, pedestrians and users of mobility devices. The active transport path on the northern side of the bridge will offer uninterrupted views of the iconic Glass House Mountains.

The existing bridge can sustain traffic for the foreseeable future. The concept design proposes to fully utilise the existing bridge as a traffic asset by using it for 2 westbound traffic lanes.

Also, part of the plan is to widen the Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to 4 lanes between Bestmann Road East and Benabrow Avenue, as well as realigning the Sylvan Beach Esplanade intersection.

The concept design optimises cost, sustainability, and flexibility. It uses the existing bridge as a long-term operational traffic asset and is a sustainable approach to managing the transport network. This reduces the width, cost and impact associated with constructing a new bridge.

The concept design aligns with the future vision of 4 lanes on Caboolture-Bribie Island Road. By delaying the need to provide a wider bridge until the existing bridge has reached its service life, it provides a flexible and cost-effective approach to investment.

Benefits

  • Improves safety
  • Better road access
  • Accessibility
  • Reduces travel time
  • Contributes to economy
  • Contributes to regional growth
  • Better active transport
  • Improves network efficiency

Key features

  • New 2-lane, eastbound traffic bridge with road shoulders and separated active transport path.
  • Existing bridge to provide 2 westbound traffic lanes.
  • Crossing points on the roads that approach the bridges to transfer traffic between the bridges if required.
  • Improved resilience due to the ability to manage incidents or maintenance by running 2-way traffic on either bridge if required.
  • Sylvan Beach Esplanade intersection realigned to provide safer turns.
  • Widening Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to 4 lanes from Bestmann Road East to Benabrow Avenue.
  • Traffic signals at Sandstone Point Hotel access.
  • Active transport path connections on the island and the mainland.
  • Pelican perches that overhang the water on both bridges.

Funding

This project is fully funded by the Queensland Government. Investment ID 1862714

Total investment
$5.2 million
Queensland Government
$5.2 million

Current status

The department has reached important milestones including technical investigations, options analysis and community consultation. 

We have received over 4,000 responses from our 2 phase community consultation. Phase 1 of our community consultation was held between January and February 2023. Download the consultation report for more information.

Planning has progressed to develop a preliminary cost estimate of $700 million.

Artist's impressions

Image: Artist’s impression of the proposed concept design for a new bridge with 2 eastbound traffic lanes and active transport located north of the existing bridge with 2 westbound traffic lanes on the existing bridge.
Artist's impression of the proposed concept design for a new bridge with 2 eastbound traffic lanes and active transport located north of the existing bridge with 2 westbound traffic lanes on the existing bridge.
Image: Artist’s impression of the active transport path. A barrier separates walkers and riders from traffic on an active transport path on the northern side of the new bridge. Features such as rest areas continue to be investigated.
Artist's impression of the active transport path. A barrier separates walkers and riders from traffic on an active transport path on the northern side of the new bridge. Features such as rest areas continue to be investigated.
Image: Artist’s impression of the existing bridge with westbound lanes looking north to the future new bridge.
Artist's impression of the existing bridge with westbound lanes looking north to the future new bridge.

Caboolture–Bribie Island Road, Bribie Island bridge project location map

Caboolture Bribie Island Road Bribie Island Bridge planning project map indicating bridge and road project area.