The existing Bribie Island Bridge could become a dedicated crossing for pedestrians, cyclists and mobility device users under a new design that would shift all vehicle traffic onto a four-lane bridge across Pumicestone Passage.
The preferred design, released on 18 October 2026, proposes building a new bridge immediately north of the current crossing between Sandstone Point and Bongaree. Rather than dividing traffic between two bridges, as previously proposed, the new structure would accommodate four traffic lanes with road shoulders, doubling the crossing’s current traffic capacity. The existing bridge, which has connected Bribie Island to the mainland for about six decades, would remain in place for walking, cycling and mobility access, with its future features still open for community input.
Photo Credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads
Changes On Both Sides Of The Passage
The bridge proposal extends to surrounding roads, with Caboolture–Bribie Island Road proposed to be widened to four lanes between Bestmann Road East and Benabrow Avenue. Two through lanes would operate in each direction, alongside changes to nearby intersections.
At Sandstone Point Hotel, the preferred design includes new traffic signals with pedestrian crossings, a longer right-turn lane into the property and a dedicated left-turn lane for vehicles leaving. Changes are also planned for the Sylvan Beach Esplanade intersection on the island side. Mr Brooke Savige said breakdowns and accidents on the existing bridge could cause hours of delays for people travelling to work or accessing services.
“Not only is this a major inconvenience but it’s a serious safety issue,” Mr Savige said. The new crossing would stand up to four metres higher than the existing bridge near the navigation channel. The design is intended to improve traffic reliability, emergency access and connections between Bribie Island and the mainland.
Photo Credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads
A Second Life For The Old Bridge
The proposal would give the existing bridge a different purpose, creating a separate route across Pumicestone Passage for people travelling on foot, by bicycle or using mobility devices. Mr Peter Flannery welcomed the revised design, noting its alignment with the council’s earlier planning work.
“It is pleasing to see Council’s own planning and design solution for the Bribie Island Bridge has been accepted as a feasible way forward,” Mr Flannery said.
While the bridge’s future use has been outlined, the Department of Transport and Main Roads is still seeking suggestions on its features. An interactive feedback map allows people to identify locations where improvements could be considered, alongside a survey covering community priorities and the proposed active transport connection.
Photo Credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads
Suggestions will be assessed against safety, technical, environmental and funding requirements, meaning not every proposed feature will necessarily form part of the final design. Community consultation also covers environmental considerations, including proposed amendments to the Marine Parks (Moreton Bay) Zoning Plan 2019 and arrangements for the project works area.
The project remains in the detailed design stage, following completion of its business case in December 2025 and the awarding of a design contract in January 2026. Ground and seabed investigations are scheduled to begin during the week of 19 October to help inform further design work and environmental assessments. Construction dates and an updated project cost have not been announced.
Two information sessions will give people an opportunity to examine the plans and speak with the project team. The first will be held at Bribie Island RSL Club, 99 Toorbul Street, Bongaree, on Thursday 5 November, followed by an outdoor session at the corner of Benabrow Avenue and Sylvan Beach Esplanade on Saturday 14 November. Both sessions will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feedback can also be submitted through the Bribie Island Bridge Upgrade consultation website until 11:59 p.m. on Friday 27 November 2026.
Published 19-October-2026
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