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  • Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), Bowen Road Bridge (Idalia), duplicate bridge and approaches
  • North Queensland Region
  • State Road Network Upgrade
Location
The Bowen Road Bridge is located on the Townsville Connection Road, known locally as Stuart Drive, south of the bridge and Bowen Road north of the bridge.
Timing
Due for completion mid-2026
Status
Construction
The traffic bridge begins in the bottom right of the image and extends to the top middle, crossing the waterway of the Ross River. To the left of the bridge in the top left are residential buildings and the iconic Ross River Meatworks chimney. To the right of the bridge are sporting facilities such as Townsville Basketball and Murray Sporting Complex.

Bowen Road Bridge artist impression

Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), Bowen Road Bridge (Idalia), duplicate bridge and approaches

The department is building a new upstream bridge over the Ross River in Townsville, adjacent to the existing Bowen Road Bridge. This will increase the capacity of the river crossing from 2 to 4 lanes.

The Bowen Road duplication project will be delivered in conjunction with works currently under construction on Stuart Drive between University Road and the Bowen Road Bridge, adjacent to this project. The Bowen Road Bridge duplication project will improve safety and driveability for the 24,000 vehicles using this bridge daily.

The existing 2-way bridge will be converted to 2 lanes for outbound traffic, in line with the upgrade of the Stuart Drive. The bridge duplication project will deliver pavement upgrades to the bridge approaches and upgraded lighting as well as CCTV installation.

There will also be upgrades to the pedestrian and bike crossings to improve safety for all road users, as well as improved connections to a refurbished underpass pathway.

Benefits

  • Improves safety
  • Increases capacity
  • Improves network efficiency
  • Increases traffic flow
  • Reduces peak hour congestion
  • Better road access
  • Contributes to economy
  • Contributes to regional growth
  • Better active transport

Key features

  • Duplicate the Bowen Road Bridge adjacent to the existing Bowen Road Bridge
  • Pavement rehabilitation at the bridge approaches
  • Lighting upgrades and installation of CCTV footage
  • Upgrade pedestrian and bike crossings
  • Refurbish underpass pathway with improved connections 

Funding

This project is fully funded by the Queensland Government. Investment ID 2419830

Total investment
$99.8 million
Queensland Government
$99.8 million

Current status 

Construction started in July 2024 and will be completed in mid-2026, construction scheduling and weather conditions permitting.

Initial consultations with stakeholders directly affected by the project started in mid-2022. In early 2023, engagement activities expanded to include the wider community. This consultative process is set to carry on throughout the project's duration to ensure ongoing communication and stakeholder involvement.

Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), Bowen Road Bridge (Idalia), duplicate bridge and approaches project location map

The map shows the locality of the existing and future Bowen Road Bridge, over the Ross River, from the southern approach through Stuart Drive north through to Bowen Road, through the Townsville suburbs of Wulguru, Idalia, Annandale and Rosslea. A grey line indicates the Bruce Highway and University Road, which is bisected by Stuart Drive and the intersections of Gartrell Drive, Mervyn Crossman Drive/Fairfield Waters Drive and Kokoda Street. A solid dark blue line indicates the project area of the Bowen Road Bridge, over the river, shaded light blue.

The map shows the location of the existing and future Bowen Road Bridge, over the Ross River, from the southern approach through Stuart Drive north through to Bowen Road, through the Townsville suburbs of Wulguru, Idalia, Annandale and Rosslea. A grey line indicates the Bruce Highway and University Road, which is bisected by Stuart Drive and the intersections of Gartrell Drive, Mervyn Crossman Drive/Fairfield Waters Drive and Kokoda Street. A solid dark blue line indicates the project area of the Bowen Road Bridge, over the river, shaded light blue.

Flythrough video

Video Transcript

Flythrough aerial video depicting the planned changes for the Townsville Connection Road. Video starts by heading east on Stuart Drive, while highlighting the new jointly funded shared pathways from University Drive to the Fairfield Central shopping centre. The video then shows the duplication of Stuart Drive to four lanes between University Road and Bowen Road Bridge, and the upgrade of Gartrell Drive to a signalised intersection, including a new dedicated access to the Townsville Cycle Club. The video continues along Stuart Drive and highlights the major upgrade at the Mervyn Crossman Drive, Stuart Drive and Fairfield Waters Drive intersection. This intersection which will change from a roundabout to a signalised intersection, the service road exit out of the Fairfield Waters shopping complex will be closed, and two new bus stops will be installed on Stuart Drive. The video continues east and highlights the upgrades of the Kokoda Street intersection to a signalised intersection. The video also showcases pedestrian infrastructure and bicycle lane upgrades along Stuart Drive, between University Road and Bowen Road Bridge. The video then highlights the Bowen Road Bridge duplication project, which includes a new dual lane inbound bridge next to the existing bridge, with active transport infrastructure underneath the bridge and two new U-turn lanes near Viles Street intersection.

Last updated: 8 August 2024

Related projects

Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), University Road to Bowen Road Bridge (Idalia), improve safety

The Townsville Connection Road is being upgraded to dual lanes between University Road and Bowen Road Bridge. The project includes upgrades at 3 intersections: Gartrell Drive, Mervyn Crossman Drive/Fairfield Waters Drive and Kokoda Street.

  • Northern District
  • Construction
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