The long-awaited removal of the Beams Road rail level crossing is moving closer to completion, with the first vehicles travelling across the newly built overpass yesterday.

Westbound traffic towards Bridgeman Downs is the first to switch onto the bridge, with eastbound lanes, pedestrians and cyclists set to follow later this month. Once the transition is complete, the level crossing will be permanently closed and decommissioned.

In the past five years, 25 near misses involving pedestrians and vehicles have been recorded at the Beams Road crossing. Overhead wires were also struck during an incident involving a heavy vehicle carrying overweight equipment, underscoring safety concerns that helped fast-track the project.

Construction of a second bridge, located immediately north of the first, is scheduled to begin in late September. When complete, the overpass will carry four lanes of traffic, two in each direction, to improve traffic flow and connectivity.

Motorists are being advised to expect ongoing changes to traffic conditions, with signage and traffic controllers in place during the transition.

The $235 million project is jointly funded by all levels of government, with $56.24 million from the Australian Government, $138.76 million from the Queensland Government, and $40 million from Brisbane City Council.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the project would ease congestion in a growing part of Brisbane.

“Removing the Beams Road level crossing will improve road connections and ease congestion in this busy part of Brisbane,” Ms King said.
“Our investments are ensuring that Brisbane is safer and better connected.”

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg described the project as a major milestone.

“This marks the first level rail crossing removal in South East Queensland in more than 10 years,” Mr Mickelberg said.
“The overpass will not only benefit motorists but also provide a safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists through a new shared pathway.”

Member for Petrie Emma Comer said the overpass would deliver long-awaited relief for the northside community.

“The Beams Road overpass will finally bust congestion and end the daily traffic nightmare for locals,” she said.

Brisbane City Councillor Sandy Landers said the project was vital for a rapidly growing city.

“Locals have been sitting in traffic at Beams Road for too long,” Cr Landers said.
“Seeing this overpass delivered is a huge relief for our community.”