Youngs Crossing Bridge Aligned to Community Feedback
Published 26 May 2021
A total of $68 million has now been committed to improve flood immunity and cater for growing traffic needs at Youngs Crossings Road thanks to an additional $25 million in funding from the Federal Government.
Around 515 total jobs will be supported by the project and will help ensure that the 20,000 vehicles travelling along this corridor daily can do so safely for years to come.
Early detailed design has seen the alignment amended slightly, moving further to the west to address the priorities and concerns raised by the community.
The design will maintain access to the local waterhole for swimming, provide an opportunity to preserve two large fig trees as requested by Traditional Owners reduce the impact on the lowland forest area to address environmental concerns.
Federal Member for Dickson, Peter Dutton MP, said more than two thirds of respondents supported an upgrade largely based on the existing Youngs Crossing route.
“Local residents are currently forced to drive through what is a creek bed; Youngs Crossing Road is a major route and is often cut off with a heavy rain event or release from the dam,” Mr Dutton said.
“Thanks to the support of the community, I have secured $32.75 million in total funding from the Morrison Government to upgrade Youngs Crossing, which forms a critical link in the South East Queensland road network.
“This investment will help improve the flood immunity of this road and is a win for our community.”
Mayor Peter Flannery said this will be the single largest road upgrade ever delivered by Moreton Bay Regional Council.
“This extra support from the Federal Government is as close to a perfect outcome as a Mayor can dare to dream,” Mayor Flannery said.
“On average Youngs Crossing is closed in excess of four days every year due to floods since 2011, and it has already been closed twice this year for a total of four days.
“This is an essential project to accommodate the growth in our region by improving road safety and capacity, providing resilience for a one in 100-year flood event and eliminating the horrific congestion those flood events cause.
“Those commuters are dispersed across our road network causing havoc on the Bruce Highway, Old Gympie Road and other key roads.
“I’d like to also thank the Queensland Government for investing $350,000 to progress planning for an intersection upgrade at Youngs Crossing Road and Dayboro Road, with Deputy Premier Steven Miles working towards securing $10 million towards the upgrade.
“Thanks to the cooperation of governments we will solve one of the region’s biggest road infrastructure conundrums.”
Detailed design is under way and will continue over the coming months.
HDR Pty Ltd consulting engineers are designing the project taking into consideration community feedback following an extensive consultation that garnered more than 4,000 submissions.
Environment was the most highly valued concern among all participants, with most wanting to see the unique character of the area being retained by minimising environmental impacts, particularly to koalas and other local fauna and flora.
Council’s project team will continue to engage with the community and stakeholders as this work progresses.
Construction is expected to commence in March/April 2022 for completion by December 2023, weather and construction conditions permitting.
For more information about the project, visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/youngs-crossing