Queensland’s Transport and Main Roads have identified the preferred route for Stage 2 of the future Bruce Highway Western Alternative, which will connect the areas of Moorina and Narangba.
Selection of the 16-kilometre Stage 2 corridor follows extensive community consultation, with more than 1000 pieces of feedback received since July.
In its entirety, the Bruce Highway Western Alternative will be a 60-kilometre transport corridor extending from Steve Irwin Way at Beerburrum to the North Brisbane Area.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Moreton Bay region was set to grow, so getting a corridor locked in early was vital.
“We expect more than 656,000 people to move to the Moreton Bay region by 2041,” Minister Bailey said.
“This western alternative to the Bruce Highway will be essential in supporting growth and to prevent gridlock between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
“Planning ahead allows us to give certainty to local residents, and ensure we are delivering something that meets the needs of the community in the long term.
“A big thank you to all those who have engaged in the consultation and planning process so far – I encourage you to stay engaged as we progress to Stages 3 and 4.”
The Bruce Highway Western Alternative aims to take pressure off the Bruce Highway, allowing it to service long-distance travel and freight movements.
Gazettal of the Stage 2 section will get underway in 2023, to outline the requirements for the area as a transport corridor and ensure the route is protected from future development.
The community is invited to view the preferred alignment and provide feedback until 12 February 2023.
Maps of the corridor are available online or at project information sessions:
- Morayfield Community Hall, Tuesday 29 November
- Upper Caboolture Farmers Assembly Hall, Monday 5 December
- Narangba Community Centre (Main Hall), Tuesday 13 December
Minister Bailey said half the corridor was now secured.
The eight-kilometre Stage 1 section, from Moodlu to Moorina, was confirmed in late 2021.
“The release of the preferred alignment for Stage 2, gives landholders and homeowners more certainty around our future transport needs,” the Minister said.
“I acknowledge this is a difficult time for those directly impacted.
“Moreton Bay is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia and we need to plan for that population growth.
“We all want to spend less time in traffic and this road project is an important part of ensuring that residents have good access to community infrastructure and jobs.
“We are already accepting early submissions and feedback on the next stages, and I recommend locals register for email updates on the project and take every opportunity to have their say.”
Planning will start in 2023 for Stage 3 of the Bruce Highway Western Alternative, which runs from Narangba to Bald Hills, with Stage 4 to follow.
Early feedback on these future stages can be provided online or by contacting the project team.