Brand new pedestrian and bike bridge to be built over South Pine River

Published 25 March 2021

Percy Cash Bridge.jpg

Samford locals have long called for a safety upgrade to Private Percy Cash Bridge, and now the community will receive that request and more.

Four million dollars has been provided for the design and construction of a dedicated pedestrian and bike bridge across the South Pine River, improving safety for users at this section of Mount Samson Road.

Mayor Peter Flannery said it would also be built sooner than expected, thanks to an additional funding agreement between the State Government and Moreton Bay Regional Council.

“Initially Council had planned to build a causeway for pedestrians to cross at river level but with this incredible additional $2 million in State Government support we can build the optimal safety solution - an entirely new, three-metre wide, green bridge clear of the existing Private Percy Cash Bridge for the exclusive use of bike riders, mobility vehicles and people on foot,” Mayor Flannery said.

“Crossing the bridge right now is quite frightening, there’s only enough space for one lane of traffic in each direction which leaves just centimetres either side of the road for pedestrians and bike riders to try squeezing by the passing traffic.

“I’m thrilled with this outcome and have to thank the fierce advocacy of local MP Nikki Boyd and Deputy Premier Steven Miles for pushing this in Cabinet, and Minister Mark Bailey who, as an avid bike rider, understands the value of this type of project.”

Member for Pine Rivers Nikki Boyd said that the project had been fast-tracked to deliver local construction jobs sooner.

“This is great news for our community, with the Palaszczuk Government injecting $2 million so we can build a bigger, better bridge sooner,” Ms Boyd said.

“We’ve been working with Moreton Bay Regional Council to build assets like this for our communities and deliver jobs for locals.

“Projects like this are key to Queensland’s ongoing economic recovery, by getting them started now we can start to deliver those jobs as soon as possible.

“I can’t wait to join Minister Bailey for a bike ride across the bridge when construction is completed.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the benefits of the project were self-evident, and Council’s $1.5 million contribution demonstrated MBRC’s seriousness about getting this bridge built.

“The addition of $2 million to the $500,000 of State funding already committed to the project enables us to appropriately respond to the booming popularity of active transport and recreation options in the Samford area and address the understandable concerns of road users,” Minister Bailey said.

“Thanks to Council’s preparatory work, locals will be enjoying the benefits of this transformative project by December 2021.”

Local Councillor Darren Grimwade (Div 11) said Council would be managing the design and construction of the project, with construction expected to start in July and be completed by December 2021, weather and construction programs permitting.

“Best of all this will link in with the existing pathways and cycle networks through the Samford Sport precinct and Samford Village to not only improve our road network, but enhance the community’s recreation amenity and accessibility,” Cr Grimwade said.

“This is something that members of the community, especially the residents’ association, have been calling for now for some time.”