A traffic bottleneck caused by a level crossing at Coopers Plains is set to go, with construction on a new overpass to get underway in 2025.
The design has been completed, giving the green light for the Boundary Road project to go ahead.
The $399 million project will improve safety and congestion by building a new elevated three-way intersection over the rail crossing, connecting Boundary Road and Orange Grove Road.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said 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,” she said.
New active transport facilities will also be built including connections for bike riding, and dedicated pedestrian footpaths.
The project means better train services for rail passengers, and travel times for drivers by allowing for the through-flow of trains and cars without a level crossing.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said this 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,” he said.
“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.”
The Australian and Queensland governments have both committed $179.5 million to ensure the project is delivered, with Brisbane City Council contributing $40 million.
The Queensland Department of Main Roads and Transport will now go to procurement, with construction companies asked to register their interest in building the new rail overpass, by late-September 2024.
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Quotes attributable to Infrastructure Chair Cr Andrew Wines:
“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.”
