Funding released for Linkfield Road Overpass upgrade early works

The Linkfield Road Overpass upgrade is moving ahead at Bald Hills with the Queensland Government releasing $10 million for early works.

The project has a joint funding commitment by the Australian and Queensland governments of $176 million.

Overall, the Australian Government is investing more than $10 billion in the Bruce Highway including an additional $467 million committed in the recent Budget.

The newly released funding will allow the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to begin onsite activities in the coming months and forms part of the Queensland Government's $50.5 million contribution to the jointly funded project.

Linkfield Road is a state-controlled arterial road that runs between Brendale and Fitzgibbon in North Brisbane. The overpass connects commuters and freight vehicles to several areas of South East Queensland via the Bruce Highway.

Early works will focus on public utility plant relocations, including approximately 350 metres of existing gas main.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“While the former Coalition Government was focussed on press releases and announcements, we’re working with the Queensland Government to deliver a safer and better Bruce Highway with an Australian Government investment of over $10 billion.

“That includes a $125.5 million commitment to the Linkfield Road Overpass upgrade, which connects commuters and freight vehicles to a number of areas including the rest of Queensland via the Bruce Highway.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish:

“The Linkfield Road Overpass is a critical piece of infrastructure for road users in north Brisbane.

“TMR has investigated options to reduce traffic congestion at the overpass, improve safety and freight access, and make more provision for active transport.

“To begin delivering on these benefits, the Queensland Government is releasing $10 million to support the start of early works within the next few months.

“Those works will pave the way for construction which is now committed at $176 million by the Australian and Queensland governments, in recognition of the importance of this infrastructure.

“It’s great to be working with the Labor Federal Government on this project, following many years of neglect and delayed funding from the former LNP Federal Government.

“Residents of the Northside want transport solutions that reduce congestion and that is exactly what the Miles Labor Government is delivering.

“The LNP cannot be trusted to manage transport in Queensland – they cut, we deliver.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm:

“The Bruce Highway isn’t just a major commuter route, it’s also a vital freight link, and as more people choose to call Brisbane’s northern suburbs home, traffic will inevitably increase. That’s why we’re getting on with delivering the infrastructure upgrades that Brisbane needs.

“Collaboration is the key to keeping up with this demand, and the Australian Government is proud to partner with the Queensland Government to deliver this crucial road project.”  

Quotes attributable to State Member for Pine Rivers Nikki Boyd:

“I have campaigned for upgrades to the overpass at Linkfield Road for many years.

“Our community needs the local investment, jobs and congestion-busting this project will bring. 

“Our government has brought funding forward to get early works underway, with major construction soon to follow.”