The Department of Transport and Main Roads is already undertaking the detailed design of the proposed Strathpine Road and Gympie Arterial Road interchange at Bald Hills.
The project will transform the interchange that connects Strathpine Road with Hoyland Street into a diverging diamond interchange that will ease traffic congestion, improve travel times, and address safety concerns.
“The benefit of this kind of interchange is that right-turning traffic does not have to give way to opposing traffic and decreases the number of traffic lights required, making the intersection both safer and more efficient,” TMR said.
“Additionally, a diverging diamond interchange is usually cheaper to construct and has less impact on local residents compared to a traditional interchange because it requires a smaller footprint.
TMR will set aside $2 million to fund the detailed design of the project. Funding for the construction, on the other hand, will depend on the funding allocation and will compete with other priority statewide government projects.
The Strathpine Road / Gympie Road diverging diamond interchange will be Queensland’s second, after Caloundra Road / Bruce Highway (QLD) diverging diamond interchange which is currently under construction.
The diverging diamond interchange may not be familiar to Australian drivers but it will be very easy to navigate, according to TMR.
“A diverging diamond interchange is an innovative method of traffic management through intersections, used with great success internationally in the United States, to increase traffic efficiency and safety for all road users.
“…TMR will engage with the local community and road users to help drivers understand how to navigate the intersection,” TMR said.