- Traffic switches from the Beams Road rail level crossing onto new Beams Road overpass.
- Westbound traffic moved onto the new bridge this morning, followed by eastbound traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists later this month with the level crossing to be decommissioned.
- The milestone marks the first level crossing removal in South East Queensland in over a decade.
The removal of the Beams Road rail level crossing is becoming a reality, with the first traffic switching onto the new Beams Road overpass today.
Westbound traffic (towards Bridgeman Downs) has moved onto the new bridge first and will be followed by eastbound traffic (towards Boondall) and pedestrians/cyclists later this month, with the level crossing then being permanently closed and decommissioned.
In the last five years, there have been 25 near misses recorded involving pedestrians and vehicles. Overhead wires were also struck by a heavy vehicle carrying overweight equipment.
From late September, construction is scheduled to begin on a second bridge immediately north of the first, further enhancing traffic flow and connectivity.
Once the second bridge is finished the completed overpass will comprise four-lanes – two lanes flowing east and two lanes flowing west.
Motorists are advised there will be ongoing traffic changes with signage and controllers on site.
The Australian Government has committed $56.24 million towards the project, with the Queensland Government contributing $138.76 million and a commitment of $40 million from Brisbane City Council.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said it was exciting to see this huge project powering along and the removal of the Beams Road Level Crossing would improve road connections and ease congestion in this busy part of Brisbane.
"Whether it's the Boundary Road level crossing at Coopers Plain, major upgrades to Moggill Road or the Centenary Bridge Upgrade, our investments are ensuring that Brisbane is safer and better connected," Minister King said.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said this milestone marked the first level rail crossing removal in South East Queensland in more than 10 years.
"This project was due to start in 2021, so it has been a long time coming from the communities across North Brisbane and we're glad to be deliver this infrastructure to help improve safety and reduce congestion for commuters," Minister Mickelberg said.
"The removal of the level crossing not only benefits the tens of thousands of motorists who use this important route everyday but also makes travel safer for pedestrians and bike riders, who will be able to cross the rail line on a dedicated shared pathway as part of the overpass.
"This is about boosting travel reliability for both road and rail users – and in turn future proofing this vital roadway in Brisbane's growing northside."
Brisbane City Councillor for Bracken Ridge Sandy Landers welcomed the completion of the new Beams Road overpass.
"Brisbane is one of Australia's fastest growing capital cities which is why we're investing in congestion-busting projects to get people home sooner and safer," Cr Landers said.
"Locals have been sitting in traffic at Beams Road rail level crossing for too long and seeing this long-standing issue resolved and a new overpass delivered is a huge relief for our community."
