A Coalition Government will invest $100 million for a major road upgrade in one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.
The project will four-lane Buchanan Road and connect it all the way from the Bruce Highway through to Morayfield Road, and construct a new bridge over the Caboolture Rail Line at Sheep Station Creek in Morayfield.
Member for Longman Terry Young said that once completed, the new road would help address congestion concerns regarding the future Caboolture West estate.
“Many residents have contacted me and asked how people will access the Bruce Highway without creating chaos on Caboolture River Road and Buchanan Road. This project will address these concerns” Mr Young said.
‘This is a much-needed piece of infrastructure for the Longman community and this commitment from the Coalition will ensure residents can travel safely and reduce congestion on our roads.”
The $200 million project will be a 50/50 funding agreement with Moreton Bay Regional Council (MBRC).
It will be constructed in three stages, starting with the duplication of Buchanan Road to the Bruce Highway interchange, including signalisation of Graham Road intersection.
Stage 2 includes the duplication of Buchannan Road from west of Graham Road to Kirkcaldy Street, while Stage 3 duplicates Buchanan Road and William Berry drive, including the construction of a new bridge over the rail line and Sheep Station Creek.
It will align with the Caboolture River Road/Morayfield Road intersection and ultimately ease pressure on surrounding roads, reducing traffic and travel times while catering for future growth.
This infrastructure also addresses the flooding issues currently experienced by locals when Buchanan Rd and the road under train bridge are cut off during major rain events.
“We know this is estate is coming and I’m pleased we are being proactive and not reactive in ensuring that the infrastructure is in place before major problems occur,” Mr Young said.
The $100 million commitment from the Coalition Government ensures MBRC can guarantee the delivery of this vital project for locals in Caboolture, Morayfield, Burpengary and surrounding suburbs.
Only the Coalition Government will continue to deliver a better future for Longman as part of our plan to build a strong economy and a stronger future.
Mayor Peter Flannery said the Buchanan Road project is critically important in a booming growth area, especially before the Caboolture West development comes online.
“We know 50% of locals rate congestion as their major local concern, and my concern as Mayor is that this can only get worse without significant federal funding,” he said.
“So I want to thank Terry Young for not only listening to calls from Council and our community, but for going down to Canberra and forcing those decision makers to listen to us too.
“This project will not only benefit the tens of thousands of residents and shoppers passing through, but also to lifestyles of people in surrounding areas who regularly find themselves in traffic gridlock.
“Terry’s announcement will help us get ahead of our road infrastructure needs before the population boom arrives.
“This is exactly what Council has been planning for, exactly what locals have been calling for, and exactly the amount of funding we’d requested – so to say I’m thrilled today is an understatement.”
The Buchanan Road corridor currently carries 19,500 vehicles a day but one prang creates immediate gridlock on the Bruce Highway and Morayfield Road.
Mayor Peter Flannery said Council has a plan that will enable it to carry 32,000 vehicles per day by 2036.
“Our proposal is a four-phase program to not only four-lane Buchanan Road but also connect it all the way from the Bruce Highway through to Morayfield Road, and construct a new bridge over the Caboolture Rail Line at Sheep Station Creek in Morayfield,” he said.
“This railway overpass is critical, as it means locals will no longer get stuck waiting for trains. Further, the project will significantly reduce flood impacts in an area that’s been closed for an average of almost three days every year between 2013 and 2021.
“These works are estimated to cost nearly $200 million, but it’s worth it to create a high quality road link to the Bruce Highway that will benefit current Morayfield and Caboolture residents as well as provide for the future community in Caboolture West.”
There are four separate sections that make up the project (Cost Estimates):
Kirkcaldy St to Morayfield Rd – $149 million
Duplication of Buchanan Road and William Berry drive including the construction of a new bridge over the rail line and Sheepstation Creek
Graham Rd to Kirkcaldy St – $12 million
Duplication of Buchannan Road from west of Graham Road to Kirkcaldy Street
Bruce Hwy to Graham Rd – $24 million
Duplication of Buchanan Rd to Bruce Hwy interchange, including signalisation of Graham Rd intersection
Weier Road – $10 million
Upgrade along Weier Road from Buchanan Road through to Market Drive, to accommodate growth at the Plantation Retirement Resort and Blue Care facility