Drivers traveling through Esk, Queensland, should prepare for slower trips following lane reductions on the Brisbane Valley Highway that began on 21 February, 2026. The Somerset Disaster Dashboard reported the changed traffic conditions at Biarra and Ottaba starting at 9:42 am. These roadworks mean parts of the highway have been narrowed to a single lane, which may cause bottlenecks for people moving between Esk and Toogoolawah.
The Brisbane Valley Highway is a state-controlled road stretching about 89 kilometres, and because it is mostly a single-lane road in each direction, any closures can lead to significant traffic build-up. The State Emergency Service unit in Esk often helps with traffic control and community safety when major disruptions occur on this route.
According to the Somerset Regional Council, the highway is currently undergoing a 20 million dollar safety upgrade project. This funding from federal, state, and local governments is designed to improve the road surface and overall safety for all drivers in the region.
Local residents are encouraged to check for live updates and plan for extra travel time while the roadworks continue. Because there are few alternative routes in the area, officials recommend following all on-site traffic signs and directions from emergency workers.
