Concept designs released for proposed new Bribie Island Bridge

Concept designs for the proposed new Bribie Island Bridge in Queensland have been released and the community can now have their say on the project. 

The proposed new two-lane eastbound bridge will deliver a safer and more reliable connection to the mainland while also meeting present and future transport infrastructure needs. 

“This was an election commitment – I am thrilled to release concept designs for a landmark new Bribie Island bridge and kick off the consultation for locals to have their say. 

“Our community told me loud and clear they want the security of a new bridge in case our existing bridge is blocked, they want a better active transport path across the Pumicestone Passage, and they want planning for roads either side of the bridge to improve traffic flow. 

“Our Bribie Bridge is iconic, but Bribie has grown over the last 60 years and we need this key infrastructure upgrade to meet our community’s needs into the future,” Member for Pumicestone Ali King said. 

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is already preparing a business case for the new Bribie Island Bridge, which will be delivered as part of wider upgrades along Caboolture-Bribie Island Road. 

The proposed bridge will include: 

• New two-lane eastbound traffic bridge with road shoulders and separated active transport path 
• Existing bridge to be retained for westbound traffic 
• 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 two-way traffic on either bridge if required 
• Sylvan Beach Esplanade intersection realigned to provide safer turns 
• Widening Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to four 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 

Proposed new Bribie Island Bridge (source: Queensland Government)

“There is a critical need for a multi-lane connector to improve safety and reliability for locals and visitors. 

“We welcome the concept designs, including an active transport link we were keen to see realised, and see this as a positive step forward in making travel to the island safer, more sustainable, and reliable. 

“With many of Bribie’s residents commuting to work and other services across the bridge, a simple car breakdown or accident can cause hours of delay. 

“Not only is this a major inconvenience but it’s a serious safety issue. 

“Bribie Island is also City of Moreton Bay’s most popular destination for tourists, welcoming over 820,000 visitors a year, so this new bridge is vital. 

“I encourage locals to be part of this next phase of planning for this key piece of road infrastructure in City of Moreton Bay,” City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said. 

In the concept design's development, community input and technical investigations were considered. Feedback highlighted the importance of improved access, safety, and reduced congestion. Concerns were also raised about emergency service access and the narrow pedestrian and bike path. 

The existing bridge will be retained as this will help reduce the project's costs and environmental impact compared to building a new four-lane bridge. 

The community is encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed concept design through the project’s online consultation page. This consultation phase will be supported by a newsletter to surrounding communities and information sessions. 

Funding for the construction of the new Bribie Island Bridge will be considered in future funding rounds against other transport infrastructure priorities across Queensland. 

“We have heard the community’s calls for a new bridge to Bribie Island to improve access for emergency services and to provide a reliable connection to work, education, recreation, and community services. 

“TMR has assessed the options to develop a sustainable solution that considers community feedback and meets the long-term needs of our transport network. 

“A detailed assessment found that the existing bridge can continue to be used for traffic, which reduces the width of a new bridge and the resulting costs and impacts to build it. 

“Importantly, traffic can transfer between bridges to help manage incidents, emergencies and maintenance when required. 

“The new active transport path separated from traffic will transform the way pedestrians, bike riders and mobility devices access the bridge. 

“The shared path will be located on the northern side of the new bridge allowing for views of the Glass House Mountains and Pumicestone Passage. 

“We want to know what the community thinks about the proposed designs and welcome their feedback either online, on the newsletter or at our upcoming drop-in sessions,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads (1, 2)