Major construction on the new northbound Centenary Bridge across the Brisbane River has reached completion, allowing citybound traffic to begin using the bridge today. This milestone follows years of delays attributed to disruptions caused by the CFMEU (Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union), which significantly impacted the project’s timeline and costs.
The recent traffic switch marks a crucial step in the Centenary Bridge Upgrade, which is essential to accommodate the approximately 85,000 vehicles that traverse the bridge daily. The upgrade project, funded jointly by the Federal and Queensland Governments, aims to address the increasing demands from a growing population and rising traffic volumes.
Government Response to CFMEU Disruptions
The Crisafulli Government allocated $55 million in its first budget to the Centenary Bridge Upgrade, a response to the extended delays under the previous Miles-Palaszczuk Labor Government. These delays were largely attributed to CFMEU-led actions, which included physical threats to workers and caused approximately 70 days of work disruptions since February 2024.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg highlighted the government’s commitment to overcoming the challenges posed by the union. “Months of work were delayed or disrupted in 2024 on this project due to the CFMEU, costing taxpayers millions of dollars,” Mickelberg stated. He emphasized that the government has moved past the union’s “militant tactics,” allowing work to progress and alleviating the gridlock faced by local commuters.
Impact on Local Communities
The completion of the Centenary Bridge Upgrade is expected to greatly enhance connectivity for residents and businesses in Brisbane’s western suburbs. Dr Christian Rowan, the Member for Moggill, expressed his support for the project, stating, “This is a significant step forward for the Centenary Bridge Upgrade, which will greatly improve safety and reduce congestion for the thousands of motorists who rely on this critical connection every day.”
With the bridge now operational, the government plans to continue developing the surrounding corridor to further improve traffic flow and increase capacity on the network. This upgrade represents a vital investment in infrastructure, aimed at supporting better transport links throughout the region.
As Brisbane’s population grows, the Centenary Bridge Upgrade stands as a testament to the importance of efficient infrastructure development and effective governance in addressing community needs.
