The completion of the Adelaide Street tunnel in Brisbane’s CBD is set to improve public transport reliability for commuters from The Gap and surrounding suburbs.
Shaping A Decade Of Transport Works
After more than two years of construction, the 213-metre Adelaide Street tunnel will open to buses and metro services on 29 September 2025. The project marks the final stage of the Brisbane Metro program, which was first outlined in 2016 as part of plans to reshape the city’s public transport network.
During construction, around 16 Olympic swimming pools of soil and rock were excavated, with extensive underground works carried out since 2023. In August 2025, final activities included testing, commissioning, electrical installation, landscaping and road finishing. Weekend closures of the Inner Northern Busway were required during this stage.
Direct Link Between Key Busways
The tunnel connects North Quay on the Brisbane River with King George Square in the CBD, creating a direct link between the Inner Northern and South East busways. About 1,200 bus and metro services are expected to use the tunnel each weekday.
By moving these services underground, the tunnel is expected to reduce the number of buses travelling on CBD streets by up to one-third during peak periods. It will also ease pressure on Adelaide Street and surrounding streets such as George and Turbot.
For The Gap, services including the 444 and other frequent routes will now use the tunnel, improving reliability and travel times into the CBD.
Residents Walk The New Tunnel
Thousands of residents attended the community open day held on 24 September, walking through the tunnel before its official opening. Visitors raised questions about safety systems, with engineers explaining fire management controls. Others highlighted the benefit of removing buses from surface streets and the improved cycling infrastructure nearby.
Feedback indicated that many attendees saw the project as a significant change to the city’s transport landscape, with expectations of smoother travel and reduced congestion once services commence.
New Connection Ready For Service
The Adelaide Street tunnel will open to regular services on 29 September 2025, marking the completion of a near decade-long program to improve Brisbane’s transport network. For commuters from The Gap, the new underground connection is expected to provide more reliable travel into the city and reduce pressure on busy CBD streets.
Published 25-Sep-2025
