Brisbane’s transport network is about to gain a new underground link, with the Adelaide Street tunnel set to open for metro and bus operations from 29 September.
Read: Works Progressing Well on Adelaide Street for Brisbane Metro
The 225-metre tunnel runs beneath Adelaide Street, creating a direct connection between the South East Busway and the Inner Northern Busway. Once fully operational, Adelaide Street tunnel is expected to carry more than 1,390 buses and Bus Rapid Transit vehicles each day, significantly reducing surface-level congestion and improving travel times through the city.
Construction of the new tunnel has involved extensive testing to ensure readiness for daily services. A major systems trial in June included activation of smart transport technology, checks on lighting and ventilation, and integration of the tunnel’s public announcement system with the wider network. These measures are designed to deliver safer, more efficient journeys for passengers.
By diverting services underground, the new link is also expected to ease pressure on key city streets such as George Street and Turbot Street, where more than 1,000 weekly outbound trips will be removed from the road network.
Ahead of its official launch later this month, the public will have a chance to explore the tunnel during a community open day on Wednesday, 24 September. Visitors can register for one of several 20-minute sessions between 10:30 am and 2:00 pm, with entry via Reddacliff Place. The event will feature live music from a local string ensemble and the nearby Wednesday markets, making for a festive celebration of the milestone.
Read: Rail Safety Warning After Sharp Rise in Fortitude Valley Station Injuries
The Adelaide Street tunnel represents a major upgrade for Brisbane’s mass transit system, providing the foundations for faster and more reliable connections as the city continues to grow.
Published 5-September-2025
