Eastern Transitway Stage 1 nears completion

The concrete retainers are up and the footpath has begun to be laid

Four months after my previous article on the Eastern Transitway, it’s time for an update on the progress of this project.

For those who don’t know already, the Eastern Transitway is an upgrade that aims to deliver a more efficient and reliable public transport system and access, whilst also benefiting pedestrians and bikeway users with associated upgrades increasing connectivity in the area. More information on this can be found in one of my previous articles.

Stage 1 of the project is well underway on Old Cleveland Road, between Narracott Street and Carindale Street, and at the Old Cleveland Road and Creek Road intersection.

The concrete retainers are up, the railings are in and the footpath has now been laid which will greatly benefit active transport connectivity once they open.

Construction is expected to be completed later this year and I am excited to see how the changes will benefit our local roads.

But what about the Eastern Busway?

Although the Eastern Transitway will bring some much needed improvements to Old Cleveland Road, I still can’t help but be disappointed with the State Government’s decision to replace the original Eastern Busway project.

It's now been twelve years since the State Government first released the plans for the Eastern Busway Station at Carindale.

The Eastern Busway would have enabled tens of thousands of residents living along Old Cleveland Road and surrounds to gain access to fast, reliable and affordable public transport.

It was to be a dedicated busway, completely separate from general traffic and under Old Cleveland Road for the most part.

Most notably, it was to include significant upgrades to the major bus stops along the corridor, including Westfield Carindale. It would have also seen new stations at Coorparoo Junction, Bridgewater Creek, Camp Hill, Carina, Belmont and Chandler.

Sadly, it was slowly but surely stripped out of State Government forward plans, then defunded and descoped until it didn't exist.

With the 2032 Olympics now in full swing, my staff and I developed a map of where it would have gone (which you can find below).

Impact on the 2032 Olympics

With the 2032 Brisbane Olympics now confirmed and set in our sites, it has been even more disappointing that the Busway project was scrapped, as the busway stretched 17.7km from Buranda to Capalaba and was due to be completed by now.

The Sleeman Sports Complex and the Belmont Shooting Range are two locations along the original route that are set to host at least 7 Olympic events in 2032, and they are now less accessible due to the State Government’s decision.

Nevertheless, Council will be working hard to have Brisbane ready for the world’s eyes.