One of north Brisbane’s worst traffic bottlenecks has been removed, with the main road works on the Beams Road stage 1B upgrade now complete.
Used by more than 20,000 vehicles each day, Beams Road is a critical transport corridor connecting Brisbane's northern suburbs to Gympie Arterial Road and the wider road network.
As part of Stage 1B works between Carselgrove Avenue and Handford Road in Fitzgibbon, Beams Road has been widened to four lanes, improving traffic flow and delivering safer, more reliable journeys for thousands of motorists every day.
Better connections have also been delivered for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users through upgraded shared paths, a new pedestrian underpass and improved bus stop infrastructure.
The new underpass provides a safer, uninterrupted connection to the Cabbage Tree Creek Bikeway, improving access for local residents, students and families travelling through the area.
Brisbane City Council partnered with local schools and families to create a co-designed community mural within the new underpass which is due to open following completion of the mural in October 2026.
About 70 students from nearby schools and kindergartens participated in workshops that helped shape the artwork, creating a lasting community legacy that celebrates the local area.
The completed upgrade includes:
- A four-lane median-separated carriageway between Carselgrove Avenue and Handford Road
- A new shared pedestrian underpass connecting to the Cabbage Tree Creek Bikeway
- Upgraded shared paths and bus stop infrastructure
- New creek culverts and a fauna crossing near Cabbage Tree Creek
- 537 jobs supported throughout construction
- More than 141,000 hours worked on the project
- 13,763 tonnes of materials used during construction
- 3,561 tonnes of asphalt laid
- 11,730 plants established as part of landscaping and environmental improvements.
The Beams Road upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian Government, which contributed $50 million, and Brisbane City Council through the Better Roads for Brisbane program.
There’s also been work to coordinate with the nearby Beams Road rail overpass project, helping improve travel reliability and connectivity across the broader corridor.
The completion of Stage 1B marks another significant step forward for the broader Beams Road corridor.
For more information visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/transport-and-parking/transport-projects/beams-road-upgrade-2025.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“Upgrading this section of Beams Road from two to four lanes has removed a known bottleneck in this busy part of Brisbane’s north.
“The upgrade makes journeys faster, safer and more reliable for drivers, as well as significantly improving safety and amenity for pedestrians.
“The Albanese Government is committed to working with Brisbane City Council to build the transport infrastructure that Brisbane needs, now and into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner:
“Every minute we can save residents stuck in traffic is a win because that's more time people can spend with family, friends and doing the things they enjoy.
“Beams Road is one of the most important roads on Brisbane's north and this upgrade will make a real difference for the thousands of people who travel this corridor every day.
“We're committed to keeping Brisbane moving by investing in the roads, bridges and transport infrastructure our growing city needs.
“Projects like this aren't just about adding lanes, they're about making life easier for residents and supporting Brisbane's future growth.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lilley Anika Wells:
“Northsiders know that the cross town journey between suburbs can be slow and arduous.
“This upgrade to Beams Road, combined with the new rail overpass, promises to deliver better connectivity and a smoother, faster journey for motorists.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Petrie Emma Comer:
“This upgrade is about getting local families home sooner and making one of Brisbane’s busiest roads safer.
“For parents doing the school run at Holy Spirit College, Aspley State High and nearby schools, tradies, seniors and all other commuters across the northside, this means less time in traffic and more time at home.
“Thank you to everyone across Fitzgibbon, Carseldine, Aspley and surrounding suburbs for your patience.
"As someone who lives locally, I understand firsthand how difficult this disruption has been.
“Together with the new Beams Road rail overpass, this upgrade will help get people where they need to go sooner and, most importantly, more safely.”