The removal of the Beams Road level crossing in Carseldine, Queensland has reached a major milestone with early works now underway, following the awarding of the main construction contract to Bielby Hull Joint Venture.
Beams Road is a vital corridor for northern Brisbane communities, and it experiences major congestion, particularly during peak times, at the rail level crossing.
“There has been significant community interest in the Beams Road rail level crossing removal project as a solution to ease traffic congestion and provide a smoother, safer and separated journey for road and rail commuters through Carseldine.
“The changes will also provide safer access to and from the Carseldine station and improve congestion in the area as well as provide better pedestrian and pushbike path access.
“I’ve been fighting for this project as the local member since 2017, so it’s great to see the next stage – the overpass itself getting underway,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said.
The level crossing removal project will include:
Main construction works on the four-lane Beams Road overpass will commence later this month. Meanwhile, early works on the project involve clearing the area, installation of new boundary fences and relocation of underground services.
“This community knows just how frustrating the congestion at this crossing can be during peak hours, it’s fantastic to take another big step forward in fixing the issue.
“With tender awarded and early works getting underway, we will soon start to see important progress at the Beams Road level crossing,” Member for Sandgate Stirling Hinchliffe said.
“While work on this much-anticipated project will commence soon, our Council already has shovels in the ground on the separate Beams Road upgrade between Lacey Road to Balcara Avenue which will reduce travel times and improve safety.
“Our investment in these two significant and complimentary projects demonstrate our commitment to tackling congestion and getting northside motorists home sooner and safer,” Brisbane City Council Infrastructure Chair Andrew Wines said.
The Beams Road Level Crossing Removal Project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($56.24 million), Queensland Government ($138.76 million) and Brisbane City Council ($40 million).
This project is expected to support an average of 185 direct jobs.
“The Australian Government is pleased to see the project progressing, making it safer for rail and road commuters with the two modes of transport separated from each other at the traffic congested area in Brisbane’s north.
“We’re proud to be working with our state and local government counterparts to deliver a custom designed solution to cater for existing and growing transport needs in northern Brisbane’s fastest-growing area,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.
“As more people choose to call the suburbs in Brisbane’s north home, the amount of road and rail traffic will increase across the city. That’s why we’re getting on with delivering the crucial 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 and Brisbane City Council to minimise delays for motorists by removing this notoriously congested level crossing,” Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said.
Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government