Design completed & procurement begins for Boundary Rd level crossing removal project

Construction to remove a congested level crossing at Coopers Plains in Queensland is due to begin in 2025, with the design now completed for this Boundary Road project. 

This $399 million development will deliver a new elevated three-way intersection over the rail crossing, connecting Boundary Road and Orange Grove Road. Not only will this help relieve congestion on this section of road, but it will also improve safety for all road users. 

“The Boundary Road rail level crossing currently carries more than a thousand vehicles per hour during peak periods. 

“An elevated crossing will not only improve safety, but also reduce travel times and cater for future growth in this part of Brisbane,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

“Removing the Boundary Road level crossing will deliver a safer and quicker commute for my community and include paths for pedestrians allowing residents to get around easier. 

“This project is pivotal for our suburbs and that’s why the Miles Government is getting on with it,” Member for Toohey Peter Russo said. 

The project will also include building new active transport facilities such as connections for bike riding and dedicated pedestrian footpaths. 

Once completed, the new overpass will enable better train services for rail passengers and improved travel times for road users by allowing for through-flow of trains and cars without a level crossing. 

“Today is a monumental milestone for this project. I know the community has been waiting for a solution to put an end to the accidents and congestion at the existing level crossing, and we will deliver exactly that with this new overpass. 

“Once complete, the overpass will not only improve safety and bust congestion, it will also improve the liveability of the local community by providing connectivity with new dedicated pedestrian and bike riding connections. This will allow Coopers Plains residents to walk or ride their bikes safely to either side of the rail line. 

“Queensland is growing, and with more people expected to move into our great state, projects like this will prepare our transport network for future growth. 

“Residents will not have to wait for too long before works can begin. Enabling works, which will include vegetation clearing, land preparation works, property demolitions, and service relocations for electricity, gas, water and telecommunications are expected to start by mid-2025. 

“These activities are needed to prepare the site for main construction, which is planned to start soon after,” QLD Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said. 

Project map (source: Department of Transport and Main Roads)

The Boundary Road rail level crossing removal is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments with each committing $179.5 million, and Brisbane City Council contributing $40 million. 

With project design now completed, the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads will now proceed with procurement. Construction companies are now asked to register their interest in building the new elevated intersection by late September 2024. 

“Removing the level crossing will ensure local residents will be able to travel along Boundary Road safely now and into the future, and benefit thousands of rail and road users every day. 

“That’s why the Australian Government is proudly investing $179.5 million to make this important project happen,” Federal Member for Moreton Graham Perrett said. 

“Our Council has a standing commitment to invest $40 million towards the State Government’s level crossing removal projects within Brisbane. 

“As one of Australia’s fastest growing cities, we need all levels of government working together to help keep Brisbane moving. 

“By removing another level crossing in our suburbs, we can make it even easier for all road users to get around our city sooner and safer,” Infrastructure Chair Cr Andrews Wines said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Roads & Infrastructure Australia