News
7 October, 2025
'Death trap' upgrade
THE Brisbane Valley Highway (BVH) is finally in line for long-awaited safety upgrades, with design work now underway on several high-risk intersections at Toogoolawah and Fernvale.
The announcement follows years of lobbying from Somerset Regional Council, which labelled the BVH a “death trap” after it ranked fourth on RACQ’s 2024 list of Queensland’s most unroadworthy roads.
In Toogoolawah, the intersections at Dingyarra Street and Mount Beppo Road will see new traffic arrangements designed to make it easier and safer for vehicles to enter and exit the highway. Dedicated right and left-turn lanes will be added, along with pavement widening to improve traffic flow and turning movements.
The works will also include extended culverts for better drainage, vegetation clearing to improve driver visibility, and upgraded road lighting to enhance safety after dark.
At Fernvale, one of the region’s busiest intersections will be transformed with the addition of channelised right-turn lanes at Forest Hill Fernvale Road and Quarry Road. Pavement widening will also be carried out to accommodate the new lanes, improving safety for local residents and heavy vehicles alike.
Fernvale will see similar works, with channelised right-turn lanes added at the Forest Hill Fernvale Road and quarry access intersection. Pavement widening will also be undertaken to accommodate the changes, ensuring smoother traffic flow along this busy stretch.
Traffic and Safety Advisory Committee Chair, Mayor Jason Wendt, said the priority intersections were identified for improvement using crash data, traffic volumes and feedback from Somerset residents gathered by Council.
“The number one concern for Somerset residents is upgrading the Brisbane Valley Highway (BVH), and while Council is not responsible for managing this asset, we recognise its importance for our region’s safety, connectivity and growth,” Cr Wendt said.
“Our Council’s strong advocacy for the BVH has led to a commitment of $80 million in works over the next three years. This investment will address the immediate safety and operational needs of the highway.
“However, Council will continue advocating for a long-term strategic commitment and a comprehensive business plan to ensure the BVH continues to receive critical funding into the future. Ensuring a coordinated approach between Federal and State governments, supported by Council, is vital to meet the ongoing needs of this essential transport corridor.”
TMR has begun design work for new traffic arrangements on Dingyarra Street and Mount Beppo Road intersections on the BVH in Toogoolawah, and channelised right-turn lanes for Forest Hill Fernvale Road and Quarry Road in Fernvale.
TMR will share updates with the community as these projects progress, with a dedicated webpage coming soon.
The $80m investment is jointly delivered by the Queensland and Australian governments in partnership with Somerset Regional Council.
Read the full project at somerset.qld.gov.au/BVHSU-Sep2025.
