A major upgrade to the Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway is set to bring significant changes to Bracken Ridge, with new road connections, redesigned intersections and expanded shared paths planned across the suburb.
The works form part of the Queensland Government’s Gateway to Bruce Upgrade (G2BU), with construction expected to begin in late 2026, subject to approvals.
For Bracken Ridge residents, the project centres on the busy corridor around Barfoot Street, Bracken Ridge Road and the Gateway Motorway — an area set for major transformation.
New paths and a continuous northside cycling corridor
One of the most notable additions is a continuous shared path running along the northern side of the motorway, effectively creating a direct cycling and walking link between Dohles Rocks Road and Barfoot Street.
The route will cross the Pine River, offering a safer and more connected option for commuters travelling between North Lakes, Murrumba Downs and Brisbane’s northside suburbs.
While the path will run alongside the motorway, limiting access points in some sections, it is expected to significantly improve long-distance connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians.
Major changes at Barfoot Street and St John Fisher precinct
Closer to home, the “Bracken Ridge bend” near Barfoot Street and St John Fisher College will see some of the most extensive upgrades.
Plans include wider shared paths, new underpasses, upgraded crossings and improved links between existing and new infrastructure — designed to make movement through the area safer and more efficient.
A new signalised intersection at Barfoot Street and Bracken Ridge Road is also planned, alongside improved motorway access ramps and connections.
Wyampa Road overhaul to improve local access
Further north, Wyampa Road is set for a major reconfiguration, including the removal of the existing overpass and the introduction of new connections.
The changes are expected to improve access to Tinchi Tamba and surrounding areas, while also linking into new shared paths and underpasses connecting through to parklands and local routes.
Additional connections, including a link under the motorway towards Canterbury Park, are designed to improve local accessibility and create safer movement options for cyclists and pedestrians.
Construction impacts and long-term detours
Given the scale of the project, construction will be staged over several years, with traffic management and detours expected — particularly around the Bracken Ridge corridor.
Cycling and shared path users are also likely to face long-term detours during construction, with authorities indicating that updates will be provided as works progress.
A detailed staging plan is expected closer to the start of construction, outlining how disruptions will be managed for both motorists and active transport users.
The timeline — and what it means locally
While the headline changes are now clearer, the timeline is less immediate. Construction is not expected to begin until late 2026, meaning the project will remain in planning and approvals for some time yet.
Even then, the scale of the works means disruption will be a long-term reality for Bracken Ridge and surrounding suburbs. Staged construction, shifting traffic conditions and extended detours are likely to be part of daily life as the upgrade rolls out.
Beyond the first stage, further upgrades along the Bruce Highway corridor remain in the pipeline, including additional road connections and new bridges over the Pine River. Those elements are still in design and subject to further development.
For residents, the next phase will be less about construction and more about detail — how the project is staged, where access points sit, and how well the final design balances improved connectivity with local impacts.
Updated 7-July-2026
