A major new tunnel is set to open later this month, providing a vital link for bus and metro services beneath a major city centre.
The $560 million, 213-metre Adelaide St tunnel under Brisbane’s CBD has been under construction since late 2021.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: New Brisbane bus tunnel almost finished
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Opening on September 29, over 1400 bus and metro trips will run through the tunnel on weekdays.
Designed to improve frequency and relieve pressure from existing CBD routes, the tunnel runs just three metres below Adelaide St, which made construction difficult.
In comparison, the Legacy Way tunnel sits 40 metres beneath the surface.
“A lot of people had some doubt on whether it could be done,” said Joel Miller from Acciona, one of the lead construction firms.
According to the Federal Government, which contributed over $400 million, the tunnel forms part of a “transformative mass-transit option” that will help future-proof the city’s public transport system.
The tunnel connects North Quay to King George Square bus station, freeing up roads like George St and Turbot St by moving over 1000 weekly outbound bus trips underground.
“The Adelaide Street tunnel is a game-changing project that will keep Brisbane moving,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.
“More than half a million hours of work have gone into this project, and the result is a world-class piece of infrastructure that will support public transport now and into the future.
“By moving thousands of buses underground, we’re freeing up space on our CBD streets for everyone to enjoy.
“This is about building the infrastructure Brisbane needs as one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities, so people can get home sooner and safer.”
Despite its technical complexity, traffic and services above ground remained untouched during the build.
“We were able to deliver this tunnel without disrupting surface businesses. We kept the water in place, we kept the power in place — it made it a very difficult project to deliver in a technical sense,” Brisbane’s Public Transport Chair, Cr Andrew Wines, told 7NEWS.
Before it opens to traffic, the public is invited to explore the tunnel on foot on Wednesday, September 24, during a one-off open day.
Free tickets are now available via Eventbrite, but spots are limited.
“Dare I say a once in a lifetime opportunity to have a look around this tunnel on foot,” Wines said.
Brisbane Metro services have already chalked up more than three million trips despite teething issues, including ongoing user frustrations with the Translink app.
“It’s definitely an app that needs improvement,” Schrinner admitted.
Locals will get the chance to walk through the new Adelaide St tunnel before it opens to traffic, with a special community open day locked in for Wednesday, September 24.
Admission is free, with registration required. Tickets are available via Eventbrite, though spaces are limited.
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