North Lakes is in line for significant traffic relief as part of a major upgrade to the Bruce Highway, with new plans confirming additional lanes and major redesigns across one of Queensland’s busiest road corridors. The project spans 18.8 kilometres between Anzac Avenue and Caboolture–Bribie Island Road and is set to change how residents and local traffic move in and out of Brisbane’s north.
This stretch of the Bruce Highway forms a crucial link between North Lakes and regional centres to the north, but it’s become increasingly congested during peak travel times. With the area’s population continuing to grow, especially around Moreton Bay, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has outlined a plan to not only increase lane capacity but also build new road features that support safer and more efficient travel for both locals and long-distance drivers.
Plans to Widen the Highway and Separate Local Traffic
The most immediate changes will take place between Anzac Avenue and Uhlmann Road, where the highway will be expanded from three to four lanes in each direction. This section will see new lanes added in the central median, along with the upgrade or replacement of nearby overpasses to accommodate the wider footprint.
North of Uhlmann Road, rather than continuing to add lanes to the main highway, the project will introduce new one-way collector-distributor roads along both sides. These roads are designed to handle local traffic movements — such as trips to interchanges or nearby service centres — while allowing highway traffic to keep moving without interference.
This approach was chosen after studies found that simply widening the highway near North Lakes would not solve the problem due to the number of existing interchanges in close range. The new parallel roads will help reduce congestion, particularly in areas where traffic frequently merges or exits, such as around Buchanan Road and Caboolture–Bribie Island Road.
Feedback from the North Lakes Community
When TMR called for feedback between October and November 2023, residents from North Lakes and surrounding suburbs voiced both support and concerns. Many welcomed the plan to expand the highway and appreciated the attempt to separate local trips from long-distance ones. At the same time, some questioned whether the shift back to three lanes near Uhlmann Road might cause new delays.
People also raised concerns about the impact of construction, including how long the work would take, whether it would overlap with other roadworks in the area, and how detours might affect their day-to-day travel. A key issue raised was the potential need for property resumptions in some neighbourhoods, particularly if collector-distributor roads were to run close to homes or businesses.
Other feedback focused on improving the experience of pedestrians and cyclists. Residents asked for better lighting, wider paths, and separate lanes for bikes and walkers, especially near overpasses and crossings. Environmental concerns were also flagged, with requests for TMR to minimise the loss of vegetation and ensure wildlife corridors are considered in the design.
Government Investment and Timeline
The project is being backed by a combined $34 million in planning funds from the Australian and Queensland governments. Of this, $12 million has been committed specifically to the Anzac Avenue to Uhlmann Road section, with another $733 million allocated for the delivery of major works along this same segment.
According to TMR, business case development is currently underway, with more detailed designs expected by 2026. Early works, including geotechnical investigations and property assessments, are already in progress. Construction is not yet scheduled, but it will begin after the design phase and following further consultation with landowners and local councils.
Feedback on the preferred solution remains open until 14 September 2025. TMR has urged anyone who lives, works or travels through the corridor — including those from North Lakes — to get involved by sharing their thoughts via the project’s online feedback portal or by contacting the project team directly.
A Road Plan That Aims to Keep Pace with Growth
With suburbs like North Lakes continuing to grow, the pressure on the Bruce Highway is expected to intensify in the years ahead. The current upgrade is part of a broader strategy to prepare for that growth while addressing the traffic frustrations many residents already face.
Published 17-July-2025
