The upgrade involves duplicating the Port Drive plus, improvements along adjoining roads
The Port of Brisbane’s Port Drive is set to receive a $110 million makeover starting next month.
The Port Drive upgrade project involves: constructing a four-lane overpass over the Port Drive/Kite Street intersection; duplicating Port Drive, including the concrete separation barrier for the full length of the road for additional safety; improvements to Tanker Street/Osprey Drive road networks; and duplicating the Lucinda Drive bridge on Fisherman Islands.
The project is expected to help deliver “a more efficient and safer access to the port”.
Port of Brisbane CEO Roy Cummins says the project is a timely infrastructure move to support the port’s future growth.
“Port of Brisbane takes a long-term view to infrastructure planning and safety, which is why we are bringing forward this significant investment ahead of capacity demand,” Cummins says.
“This will deliver safer port roads for all users.
“The Port Drive upgrade is a necessary and early step in ensuring the port continues to play its role in supporting Queensland’s trade growth and delivering supply chain efficiencies for decades to come.
“Port of Brisbane is pleased to announce Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd as the successful Design Development and Construct Contractor for the Port Drive upgrade project and looks forward to working with them to deliver this vital road infrastructure.”
Road safety and ports minister Mark Bailey and MP Joan Pease joined Cummins to announce the details of the upgrade.
“The Port of Brisbane handles more than $50 billion in trade annually and these road upgrades are vital to meeting the Port of Brisbane’s future growth, providing income and jobs for many Queenslanders” Bailey says.
“Each year, more than 3.1 million vehicles access the port and this project will improve safety especially for the large number of workers travelling here every day.
“The project will also support almost 390 jobs during its two-year construction and is essential to maintaining the port’s competitiveness and productivity.”
Pease says the design will include a segregated cycle path from Pritchard Street to Port Gate.
“A new segregated cycle path will provide a safer outcome for cyclists and increase the cycle network across South East Queensland,” Pease says.
“This upgrade is great news for the local community – it will provide a safer road, better active infrastructure and support jobs.”
Early works are expected to begin next month, with construction scheduled to be completed by May 2018.