Houghton Highway Duplication

Overview:

The project involves construction of a new 2.7 km bridge between Brisbane and Redcliffe. The new bridge will be located 35 m east of the existing Houghton Highway bridge and will feature three traffic lanes, a pedestrian/cycle path, and a dedicated fishing platform.

Location:

Between Brighton and Redcliffe.

Completion:

Construction is scheduled for completion in mid 2011.

Benefits:
  • Reduced traffic congestion.
  • Reduced travel times on the bridges and at the approach intersections.
  • Improved road safety with one way traffic flow on each bridge.
Houghton Highway mapView larger image

Project info

The construction phase of the $315 million Houghton Highway Duplication Project commenced in February 2008. Construction is scheduled for completion in mid 2011, weather permitting.

The project involves construction of a new 2.7 km bridge between Brisbane and Redcliffe. The new bridge will be located 35 m east of the existing Houghton Highway bridge and will feature three traffic lanes, a pedestrian/cycle path, and a dedicated fishing platform.

The project is wholly funded by the Queensland Government and is being delivered by Main Roads and its construction contractor, the Hull-Albem Joint Venture.

Key features and benefits

  • Reduced traffic congestion.
  • Reduced travel times on the bridges and at the approach intersections.
  • Improved road safety with one way traffic flow on each bridge.
  • Transit lanes to reduce public transport travel times.
  • Upgraded underpasses for pedestrian and cycle access.
  • Priority for buses entering and exiting the bridges.
  • New pedestrian and cycle underpass.
  • Tourist attraction for visitors to the Redcliffe peninsula and Brisbane bayside suburbs.
  • A vital link in the Moreton Bay Cycleway by connecting the Deagon Deviation Bikeway to the Clontarf and Brighton foreshore paths.
  • Fishing opportunities.
  • New landscaped entrance.
  • Preservation of the iconic Hornibrook Highway bridge entry portals.
  • Environmentally sensitive design.
  • Improved stormwater management at the approach intersections and at both ends of the bridge.
  • Pelican perching opportunities.

Further information

The plan

A new 2.7 km bridge will be constructed to the east of the existing Houghton and Hornibrook Highway bridges.

A new 4.5 m wide shared pedestrian and cycle facility will be combined with the new bridge and will form a key link in the Moreton Bay Cycleway.

New and improved pedestrian underpasses at both ends of the Houghton and Hornibrook Highway bridges.

A fishing platform (approximately 50 m × 10 m) will be provided in the southern channel and to the seaward side of the new bridge incorporating seating, shelter, drink fountains, fishing facilities and lighting. This platform will be connected to the pedestrian and cycle facility by a 5 m wide disability access ramp.

A section of the Hornibrook Highway bridge will be reconstructed to access the northern channel for fishing and recreation purposes.

Intersections will be upgraded at either end of the bridge with traffic lights and pedestrian crossing facilities.

Bus priority lanes will be provided to enable buses to move quickly through the intersections. These will be incorporated into a T2 transit lane across each bridge.

New car parking facilities will be provided at both the northern and southern ends of the bridge.

The existing Houghton Highway bridge will be refurbished with asphalt overlay to give a smoother ride.

The new Houghton Highway bridge will be designed to withstand a one-in-2000 year storm event. It will be the first of its type in Australia, and among the first in the world, to reflect the lessons learned after Hurricane Katrina which hit the Gulf of Mexico in August 2005.

The duplicate Houghton Highway bridge will be approximately four metres higher than the existing Houghton Highway bridge, and therefore above any likely wave. This will ensure that Redcliffe will keep this vital link to Brisbane in the aftermath of a severe storm.

This push to design coastal infrastructure is in line with other projects being spearheaded by the Government to lead the way and understand and cater for the effects of climate change on the Queensland coastline.

Key milestones

  • Initial community consultation: late 2005 (completed)
  • Options investigation and development of project concepts: 2006 (completed)
  • Community consultation on project plans: mid 2007 (completed)
  • Finalisation of project plans and construction tender period: late 2007 (completed)
  • Construction works commence at Brighton: early 2009 (underway)
  • Construction works commence at Clontarf Point: mid 2008 (underway)
  • Bridge construction works commence: mid 2008 (underway)
  • Opening of the new bridge and fishing platform: mid 2010 (upcoming)
  • Resurfacing and upgrading of the existing Houghton Highway bridge commences: mid 2010 (upcoming)
  • Demolition and partial rebuilding of the old Hornibrook Highway bridge commences: mid 2010 (upcoming)
  • All project works completed: mid 2011 (upcoming)

Contact details

Email: houghtonhighway@tmr.qld.gov.au
Phone: +61 1800 626 976 (freecall within Australia)
Fax: +61 7 3834 8363
Post: Houghton Highway Duplication Project
Department of Main Roads
Reply Paid 70
Spring Hill QLD 4004

Traffic info

Community info

Community engagement

Community and stakeholder feedback, along with the outcomes of technical and planning investigations, have helped to shape the plans for the project.

Extensive community consultation was undertaken during the recent June–July 2007 consultation period. Main Roads invited the community to comment on the community use aspects of the design including the car parks, fishing platform, pedestrian and cycle paths and other recreational facilities.

Frequently asked questions

How will the existing Houghton Highway Bridge and the new bridge operate?
Each bridge will be three lanes wide, with two general purpose traffic lanes and one T2 transit lane. Traffic will flow one way on each bridge. Once the new bridge is complete, the existing bridge will be resurfaced and new joints installed to make it smoother.

What is the life expectancy of the new bridge?
The new bridge has a design life of 100 years and is capable of withstanding a 1:2000 year storm event. Every effort is being made to incorporate the latest technology and learnings from the two previous bridges across Bramble Bay to ensure that it remains in place with minimal maintenance over the long term.

What will the speed limit be on the new bridge?
The new bridge has been designed with an expectation of an up to 80 km/h speed limit. However, there will be variable speed signs on the bridge and the speed limit may need to be reduced in the event of strong winds or incidents. Main Roads will continually routinely review speed limits to optimise safety and efficiency.

How will the project improve public transport opportunities?
The project will help to reduce bus travel times. Buses will be given priority at the northern intersection using a dedicated bus lane and will travel in the T2 lanes across both bridges.

Will the Deagon Deviation, Elizabeth Avenue and Hornibrook Esplanade be widened as part of the project?
No. There will only be some localised road widening at the northern and southern intersections.

Why isn't a rail line included on the new bridge?
Providing rail access and infrastructure is outside of the Houghton Highway Duplication Project scope. Queensland Transport is managing all studies investigating the feasibility of providing a rail link to the Peninsula.

What will the pedestrian and cycle facility on the new bridge look like?
The pedestrian and cycle path will be 4.5 metres wide and includes wheelchair access. The path will be almost 5 metres away from the main traffic lanes, and separated T2 lane and a traffic barrier. Users will be able to the recreational fishing and viewing platform viewing platforms (see artist's impressions and fact sheets for more detail).

Will cyclists be able to ride on the roadway of the bridge?
Yes. Cyclists can choose to ride in the T2 lane. Main Roads is not proposing to prohibit cyclists on the roadway, however it is expected that the majority of cyclists would choose to use the cycleway facility.

Will anglers be able to fish from the pedestrian and cycle facility?
Fishing from the pedestrian and cycle facility will be strongly discouraged to protect the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Anglers will be directed to use the large purpose-built fishing platform provided in the southern channel or the smaller northern fishing platform which will be accessible from the refurbished section of the Hornibrook Bridge.

How will the environment be protected during construction and operation of the new bridge?
Environmental studies and consultation with the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Department of Environment and Heritage will guide the development of the final plan, as well as strategies to minimise environmental impacts during and after construction. Key issues being considered include noise, vibration, air and water quality, flora and fauna (see environmental fact sheets for more detail).

What's going to be done with the timber from the Hornibrook Highway bridge?
Various parties have expressed interest in obtaining the materials from the timber superstructure. The first priority for the materials from the bridge is to use them in the reconstructed section of the Hornibrook Highway bridge to the northern fishing channel and urban design/heritage features to be included in the design. The second priority for the timber is to alleviate the environmental impact being caused by maintenance of other timber bridges around the state. Main Roads and local government will have first rights to the timber from the bridge for bridge maintenance and community purposes. Lastly, the recycled timber will be made available to recycling companies who are licensed to process contaminated timbers (i.e. as a result of the termite poisoning treatments over the last 70 years) for resale to the community.

Is the Hornibrook Bridge safe for public use?
The bridge remains serviceable for use as a pedestrian and cycle facility but people should be aware that using a bridge of this age does require some caution. Main Roads has placed signs at each bridge entrance to inform people about the bridge’s condition and the need for caution when using it. Main Roads will continue to inspect the bridge regularly to monitor its condition.

How will construction impacts be managed?
Every effort will be made to reduce construction impacts of the Houghton Highway Duplication Project on the local community. It is possible that vibration, noise and some local traffic disruption will occur during construction. A construction management plan will identify management strategies.

What is ITS, VSL and CCTV?
State of the art intelligent transport systems (ITS) will be included in the new project, including:

  • closed circuit television (CCTV) which allows Main Roads to monitor traffic and send emergency response vehicles as required;
  • electronic variable speed limit (VSL) signs over each lane to slow traffic (eg from 80 to 60 km/h) during times of congestion or an accident;
  • bus priority systems at the traffic signals to ensure efficient public transport;
  • vehicle detection to monitor congestion; and
  • help phones on the bridge.

What about the pelicans?
Dedicated pelican perches will be incorporated as part of the Houghton Highway Duplication Project. Main Roads have consulted with Redcliffe City Council, the Ornithological Society and the Environmental Protection Agency on this issue. Selection of any anti-perching devices will be conducted with bird welfare in mind.

Last updated: 16 November 2009