The Queensland Government has released a revised preferred design for the new Bribie Island Bridge, marking a significant shift from the earlier concept. Rather than splitting traffic across two crossings, all four lanes would move onto a new bridge, with the existing one handed over to people walking and riding. Here is what the design shows.
1. All traffic moves to a new four lane bridge
The preferred design puts four traffic lanes, with road shoulders, on a new bridge built just north of the existing crossing over Pumicestone Passage. It replaces an earlier concept that would have kept two lanes on the old bridge and two on the new one. The State says the change doubles traffic capacity onto Bribie Island.
2. The old bridge becomes a walking and cycling link
The existing bridge, which opened six decades ago, would be retained and turned into a dedicated path for people walking, riding and using mobility devices. Its future design is part of the current consultation, giving locals a say in how the old crossing is used.
We’re delivering a new Bribie Island Bridge just as we promised. We are doubling the traffic capacity with a new bridge, and preserving the old bridge for pedestrians and cyclists.
David Crisafulli, Premier of Queensland
3. The new bridge sits higher over the channel
The layout plan shows the new bridge rising up to four metres higher than the existing one at its highest point near the navigation channel, with pelican perches overhanging the water. At the mainland end, new traffic signals with pedestrian crossings would serve the Sandstone Point Hotel, and traffic could be switched between the two bridges there during incidents, emergencies or maintenance.
4. The road approach is widened too
Caboolture-Bribie Island Road would be widened to four lanes between Bestmann Road East and Benabrow Avenue, with two through lanes each way, a longer right-turn lane into the Sandstone Point Hotel and a dedicated left-turn lane out. A new arrangement is also shown for the Sylvan Beach Esplanade intersection on the island side.
5. Investigations start this week, and feedback is open
The business case was completed in December 2025 and the design contract awarded in January 2026. Geotechnical investigations begin this week as detailed design continues. Feedback on the preferred design, the future active transport bridge and a proposed Moreton Bay Marine Park zoning amendment for the works area is open until 27 November 2026, with information sessions at the Bribie Island RSL Club on 5 November and beside the bridge at Benabrow Avenue on 14 November. No updated cost was released with the design.
Project Rundown
| Development Parameter | Proposed Development |
|---|---|
| Project | Bribie Island Bridge Upgrade |
| Location | Pumicestone Passage, between Sandstone Point and Bongaree, Bribie Island |
| Proponent | Queensland Government, Department of Transport and Main Roads |
| Status | Preferred design released October 2026; detailed design and investigations under way |
| New Bridge | Four traffic lanes with road shoulders, north of the existing bridge; up to 4 m higher than the existing bridge near mid-channel |
| Existing Bridge | Retained as a dedicated active transport path for walking, riding and mobility devices |
| Road Works | Caboolture-Bribie Island Road widened to four lanes from Bestmann Road East to Benabrow Avenue; signals with pedestrian crossings at the Sandstone Point Hotel access |
| Timeline | Business case completed December 2025; design contract awarded January 2026; consultation October to November 2026 |
| Consultation | Open until 27 November 2026, including the active transport bridge and a proposed Moreton Bay Marine Park zoning amendment and works area |
| Information Sessions | Thursday 5 November, Bribie Island RSL Club, 10am to 2pm; Saturday 14 November, corner of Benabrow Avenue and Sylvan Beach Esplanade, 10am to 2pm |
| Cost | No updated cost released with the preferred design |
Artist’s impressions and design layout: State of Queensland (Department of Transport and Main Roads). The design remains subject to further development.
The old Bribie Island has well and truly gone. We have to move with the times and there is so many people coming to the island. It is dangerous to leave the bridge the way it with the population is growing quickly. I really like the idea of the four lanes and one day I hope to be driving over it. I really like it that the pelicans will have somewhere sit and look over the water and the bridge they are important part of Bribie
The residents of Ningi really shot themselves in the foot by refusing to allow a bypass road back in the 90’s. Even with this bridge upgrade, the achilles heel will still be that stretch of Bribie Isand Rd between the roundabout and the eastern edge of Ningi village.
I hope the bridge upgrade is followed by a road bypass, so that the whole stretch from highway to island is an 80 km/hour dual lane roadway.
Can you please provide the link to where we can give feedback. It would be great to have some shade, seating and designated fishing areas on the foot bridge. Finally space for pedestrians