Construction begins to remove Beams Road rail level crossing

Works are now underway to replace the dangerous and congested Beams Road level crossing with an overpass that will separate road and rail. 

The $235 million Beams Road overpass project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments and the Brisbane City Council – each contributing $56.24 million, $138.76 million and $40 million respectively. 

“Beams Road is an important road for communities in northern Brisbane and experiences significant congestion at the rail level crossing in Carseldine – something this investment from all three levels of government aims to fix. 

“This will be a boon for commuters, whether driving, walking or cycling through the area – particularly during peak traffic,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Beams Road is an important local road that connects communities in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, and the construction of an overpass will help reduce congestion, providing motorists with better traffic flow and a smoother commute during peak travel times. 

Works are now being carried out including site office establishment, installation of barriers, signage and line marking, and median removal in preparation for major construction on the new overpass. 

“Brisbane City Council is proud to contribute $40 million towards the removal of the Beams Road level crossing which, together with our Beams Road corridor upgrade, will help reduce congestion and improve safety for all road users. 

“This project is a great example of what all levels of government can achieve by working together to help locals get home sooner and safer,” Brisbane City Council Chair of Infrastructure Andrew Wines said. 

Key features of the multi-million-dollar project include: 

• A new overpass bridge 
• Removal of existing rail level crossing boom gates 
• Paths for walking and bike riding 
• Upgrading the existing Carseldine park ‘n’ ride facilities and anew access road (Balcara Avenue) 

“The Beams Road level crossing sits right at the heart of Brisbane’s growing northern suburbs and with an extra 2.2 million people set to call south-east Queensland home by 2046, we’re getting on with delivering the crucial infrastructure upgrades that Brisbane needs. 

“The removal of this notorious level crossing is yet another great example of the Albanese Government’s approach to collaborating with all levels of government to reduce travel times and ensure motorists get home safely,” Federal Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said. 

This project will not only boost road safety, but it will also improve pedestrian and active transport connections in the area. 

Weather and construction conditions permitting, the new overpass is anticipated to be completed in late 2026. 

The Beams Road overpass project is estimated to support approximately 185 jobs. 

“It gives me great pleasure to announce the start of construction of the final stage of Beams Road rail level crossing project. 

“The changes will provide safer access to and from the Carseldine Station and improve congestion in the area, removing the need to wait at the level crossing. 

“This project alone is estimated to support an average of 185 direct jobs, helping drive Queensland’s economic recovery,” QLD Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Roads & Infrastructure Australia