Carseldine, Kedron, Stafford, and other suburbs in Brisbane’s north will be significantly impacted by the proposed $10-billion Gympie Road Bypass Tunnel, a project that’s expected to cut congestion by routing long-distance vehicles underground.
Proposed by the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) and overseen by its dedicated subsidiary, North Brisbane Infrastructure (NBI), the tunnel is set to have one of its main entry points in Stafford and Carseldine, which could be a game changer for the local community’s connectivity to the broader Brisbane area.
The planned 9.1-kilometre tunnel project will allow local drivers to avoid some of the gridlock that has worsened over recent years.
Project Rationale: Addressing Congestion in North Brisbane
The tunnel project emerged in response to increased congestion in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, with population growth and new developments pushing existing infrastructure to its limits. With residents moving into high-density areas like Chermside and the outer north fringe, streets like Gympie Road have seen significant congestion. Stafford, directly linked to this main route, has experienced mounting delays, and locals are familiar with the challenges of daily travel in peak periods.
According to documents released by NBI, the tunnel is expected to cut Gympie Road traffic by up to 8 per cent, making a noticeable difference for drivers who commute to Brisbane’s inner north and city centre. NBI’s traffic modelling shows the tunnel could save motorists who start their journey north of the Pine River up to 18 minutes by 2046, particularly benefiting those travelling long distances.
However, the project also comes with trade-offs. While main routes may see some relief, congestion around the tunnel’s entrance and exit points in Stafford and Carseldine could become more complex due to redirected traffic demand.
Community Feedback and Local Concerns
Consultations organised by NBI revealed that many north-side residents recognise the importance of reducing congestion in their area. While there was general support for the tunnel, several locals questioned whether building a new toll road was the best investment for their community.
Focus groups expressed interest in public transport solutions, with some noting that Brisbane City Council’s proposal for an underground rail line might have been a more effective long-term approach for reducing vehicle dependence.
Concerns about the tunnel’s potential impact on local traffic were also raised. Residents pointed to possible bottlenecks around the Gympie Arterial and Bruce Highway convergence points, areas where congestion could worsen even with the tunnel in place. The recent traffic modelling report from NBI indicates that the high demand for the tunnel is likely to increase congestion around its northern and southern portals, reducing local speeds by up to 20 per cent in peak times.
Future Impact and Decisions
Premier David Crisafulli has inherited the project and expressed general support but faces tough decisions on whether to proceed wholly and how to manage costs. Initial taxpayer contributions to the project have already reached $350 million, covering preliminary planning. Yet, the economic benefit projected by NBI is only $1.6 billion, prompting questions about whether the tunnel’s financial outlay can be justified.
The Northern Transitway bus project has paused amidst considerations of above-ground public and active transport options that might work alongside the tunnel if it goes ahead.
Projected to cost just under $10 billion, the tunnel’s price tag includes potential cost escalations, and the NBI’s proposal did not consider possible future policy changes or industry condition amendments, meaning that the actual expenditure may be even higher.
What This Means for Locals
For residents, the tunnel represents both an opportunity to reduce travel times and a challenge in terms of managing increased local traffic. While the tunnel could ease the load on Gympie Road and provide a faster route into the city, nearby areas may see slower speeds, especially during peak hours, as the project draws traffic into its portal areas.
With the tunnel’s construction still in planning stages and government decisions ongoing, locals will need to stay informed on the project’s progress and raise any concerns about its impact on local infrastructure.
Published 11-Nov-2024
