Heavy traffic delays on the Bruce Highway are leading Moreton Bay community leaders and residents to call for urgent upgrades to address the worsening congestion affecting daily commutes.
Community Struggles with Congestion
Residents in suburbs such as Griffin, Elimbah, Caboolture West, Morayfield South, Pine Valley, and Petrie regularly experience long delays on the Bruce Highway, especially during peak travel times.
According to an RACQ study published in September 2024, the Bruce Highway through Moreton Bay was recently ranked as Queensland’s most despised road.
Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery pointed out that the growing community, which had a population of over 510,000 as of last year, relies heavily on the Bruce Highway for daily commutes, with congestion only expected to worsen as the population is predicted to reach over a million within the next 30 years.
Mr Flannery highlighted the need for new solutions, suggesting the current plans for widening the highway are not enough to address the high levels of traffic in the area.
He added that the existing highway infrastructure doesn’t just serve as a thoroughfare to other parts of Queensland but as an essential route for local residents, who often feel sidelined in infrastructure planning discussions.
Proposed Solutions and Ongoing Planning
Planning is underway for the Bruce Highway Western Alternative, also known as the Moreton Motorway, to address these issues.
Jointly funded by federal and state governments, this alternative route is part of a broader plan to reduce pressure on the highway. This new corridor would provide a bypass to the west of the Bruce Highway, helping to ease congestion and improve connectivity for suburbs from Beerburrum to north Brisbane.
The planning is being completed in stages. Stages 1 and 2, covering the route from Moodlu to Narangba, have been finalised, while Stages 3 and 4 are still under investigation and involve consultation with local communities. Feedback on potential routes, including alternatives west of Elimbah, is continuously being sought.
However, Mr Flannery insists on the need to fast-track both the Bruce Highway upgrades and the Bruce Highway Western Alternative to prevent the region from turning into what he described as a “car park” each morning and afternoon.
Looking to the Future
The initiative also includes a Brisbane to Sunshine Coast Rail Corridor Strategy, which aims to address long-term transport needs in the area by improving the North Coast rail line. This strategy is part of a broader plan to enhance transport options and support ongoing development in South East Queensland, as identified in the SEQ Regional Plan. Both projects are intended to ease travel, improve safety, and support economic growth in the region.
The planning department acknowledged that as population growth drives demand, balancing transport upgrades with community and environmental needs remains a priority. While some property impacts are expected as part of the future Moreton Motorway, the department is working closely with affected landowners and local communities to address concerns as planning progresses. Further updates are expected as planning continues into early 2025.
Published 29-Oct-2024
