flood resilience Archives - Albany Creek News

First Girders Put Youngs Crossing Bridge Into View in Joyner

The first concrete girder has been installed for the Youngs Crossing bridge in Joyner, bringing the new flood-resilient route into view for the thousands of motorists who use the corridor each day.

It is the first of 83 precast girders that will form the base of the bridge deck above the North Pine River and Sideling Creek.

More than 20,000 vehicles travel along Youngs Crossing Road each day. The existing crossing is affected by flooding, which can lead to road closures, surrounding congestion, delays and diversions.

The new crossing is intended to provide a more reliable route for residents, businesses and emergency services during severe weather.

Concrete girder resting on new bridge supports — Photo Credit: Supplied

Youngs Crossing Bridge Emerges Above the River

The girders measure up to 27 metres long and are made away from the construction site before being transported to Joyner on oversized trucks.

Deliveries will take place intermittently over five weeks, depending on weather and construction conditions. Each girder will travel at night under pilot and police escort before being lifted into position by crane during the day.

The delivery route follows Dayboro Road through Old Petrie Town. Transport has been scheduled during off-peak periods to reduce traffic impacts, with nearby residents to receive information closer to planned movements.

As more girders are installed, the deck of the approximately 200-metre bridge will continue to take form across the waterways.

Crane lifting girder above the construction site — Photo Credit: Supplied

New Route Planned West of Existing Crossing

The four-lane bridge is being built west of the current Youngs Crossing Road crossing as part of an upgrade extending more than one kilometre between Protheroe Road and Dayboro Road.

Three new signalised intersections are included, along with improved pedestrian and active transport connections.

Construction is approaching the halfway point, with the project scheduled for completion in late 2027. The remaining timeline is indicative and may change.

Oversized truck carrying a precast concrete girder — Photo Credit: Supplied

Motorists may encounter delays while work continues. A temporary 40-kilometre-per-hour speed limit is in place along Youngs Crossing Road, while electronic signs are being used to provide updates through the construction corridor.

Public access to Youngs Crossing Park and the waterhole remains unavailable while the new road and bridge are built.

Seymour Whyte is the principal contractor working with the City of Moreton Bay on the upgrade. The Australian Government has committed $51.6 million, while the City is contributing the remaining delivery cost. The Queensland Government has provided another $15 million for intersection upgrades at Dayboro Road.

The remaining girders will be transported and installed during the five-week delivery program, subject to weather and construction conditions.

Published 30-July-2026. Updated 12-August-2026.

Youngs Crossing Set for Major Upgrade to End Years of Flood Disruption

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook

For years, the Youngs Crossing Road has been a critical yet flood-prone link in Moreton Bay, now, a major upgrade is finally underway to deliver a safer and more reliable route for local residents and commuters.

A Safer, Higher Crossing for a Growing Community

Construction on the long-awaited Youngs Crossing upgrade began in July 2025 following years of planning and community input. A new four-lane bridge will be built at Joyner, west of the current crossing, spanning the North Pine River and Sideling Creek. The existing causeway floods frequently, closing for up to 14 days this year alone.

*Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay/Facebook*

The project aims to reduce these disruptions and improve access for the 20,000 vehicles that use the route daily. The upgraded road will include safer intersections, turning lanes, and shared paths for pedestrians and cyclists. Designed to withstand a one-in-100-year flood, the new crossing will better support the region’s growing population.

What the Project Includes

The project involves more than just a new bridge. It covers over a kilometre of Youngs Crossing Road, widening it to four lanes between Protheroe Road and Dayboro Road. Footpaths and shared cycling routes are being added on both sides of the road, as well as improved lighting and pedestrian crossings.

New traffic signals will be installed at Protheroe Road, the access point to the nearby pony club, and Dayboro Road. Environmental measures are also in place to protect local wildlife, including fauna crossings and koala-safe fencing.

Construction Timeline and What to Expect

Major earthworks and service relocations began earlier in 2025. With the main construction contract now awarded to Seymour Whyte, residents will begin to see more machinery, temporary fencing, and signage in the area. The work zone is located away from homes and most local businesses, and crews are aiming to keep traffic disruptions to a minimum during the two-year build.

The old crossing will remain open for as long as possible to maintain local access. The full project is expected to be finished by mid-2027, weather permitting.

Local Benefits That Go Beyond the Road

The Youngs Crossing upgrade means more than just smoother travel. For emergency responders, it provides a dependable route that can be used year-round, regardless of weather. For parents and school buses, it means fewer delays and better safety. For cyclists and walkers, it opens up new paths connecting parks and reserves.

And for the broader community, it’s a long-term investment in making local travel safer, faster and more connected. The project also reflects growing pride in the region’s development, with careful planning to protect both natural surrounds and community access.

Published 15-July-2025