Palaszczuk Government commits to $1 billion northside congestion tackler
02 July 2019
The Palaszczuk Government will
commit to build the next stage of the
Gateway Motorway upgrade on
Brisbane’s north, targeting congestion in the booming region.
Transport and Main
Roads Minister Mark Bailey announced the Palaszczuk Government would
commit $200 million to upgrade the
motorway from Bracken Ridge to the
Bruce Highway merge as part of a $3.13 billion program for the region’s
roads and transport infrastructure over the next four years.
“This is a job-creating, congestion-tackling budget that will build the
next stage of the Gateway Motorway in
Brisbane’s north,” Mr Bailey said.
“The project will replicate the six-lane upgrade of the 11.3km first
stage between Nudgee and the Deagon Deviation.
“Stage one saw more than 1,000 jobs created, and I have no doubt this
stage will deliver a similar jobs boon for the region.
The $200 million commitment joins an $800 million commitment by the
Federal Government to deliver the project on an 80:20 funding basis.
“With funding now confirmed from both the Palaszczuk Government and
Federal Government, we can begin a detailed
business case and planning
to determine timelines for this major $1 billion project.
“The Palaszczuk Government is delivering more than $3.13 billion in
roads and transport infrastructure from north Brisbane through to the
Sunshine Coast, with major upgrades for the Bruce Highway between
Caloundra and the Sunshine Motorway already underway and the duplication
from Caboolture to Steve Irwin Way locked in to begin next year.
Other projects, including those jointly-funded with the Federal
Government:
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$813 million widening of the Bruce Highway, from four to six lanes, between Caloundra Road and the Sunshine Motorway, and upgrading interchanges at Caloundra Road and Sunshine Motorway
-
$301.3 million building the Maroochydore Road Interchange Upgrade project
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$150 million building Deception Bay Road Interchange Upgrade on the Bruce Highway
-
$79.8 million installing barriers on various sections of the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Gympie
-
$30 million upgrade of the Petrie roundabout
-
$28.8 million intersection and safety improvements on Burpengary-Caboolture Road known as Morayfield Road and Beerburrum Road
-
$10.4 million intersection signalisation on Caboolture-Bribie Island Road at Old Toorbul Point Road
-
$7.6 million intersection and safety improvements as part of the Caboolture Connection Road Route Safety Strategy accelerated works
“It’s part of our overall $23
billion, four-year roads and transport program for
Queensland, which will deliver more than 21,500 jobs.”
Member for Sandgate Stirling Hinchliffe said locals were already
benefitting from stage one with a significant reduction in congestion,
especially during peak hours, and an upgrade from Bracken Ridge to the
Bruce Highway merge would provide further relief for motorists.
“Locals want action on this ageing section of the Gateway Motorway and
to have a seamless journey whether they’re travelling to or from the
Bruce Highway,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“This region is a major hub for our growing south east corner and the
thousands of freight vehicles that travel from our Brisbane ports, and
it’s vital we lock in the funding to deliver the roads locals and
business need.
“More than 83,000 vehicles are already travel on our northern Gateway
Motorway every day, and this our $200 million commitment will help to
provide much-needed relief for Brisbane’s northside.”
Member for Aspley Bart Mellish said alongside the $1 billion Gateway
upgrade the Palaszczuk Government would also commit $15 million for the
Strathpine Road interchange and $25 million to build Linkfield Road
overpass duplication, tackling key congestion on the northside.
“Earlier this year we announced the start of design work to create
Australia’s second diverging diamond interchange (DDI) at Strathpine
Road,” Mr Mellish said.
“Through a DDI design, traffic is switched to the other side of the
road, eliminating the need to cross the path of oncoming cars or wait
for a green light to turn right.
Mr Mellish said project details and timing will subject to further
planning and negotiations with the federal government.
“Locals also know just how frustrating rush hour traffic is on Linkfield
Road interchange, with vehicles moving in all sorts of directions.
“With this funding contribution, the Palaszczuk Government will be able
to start a detailed business case as soon as possible for this overpass.
“We’re already taking immediate, interim action to ease traffic
pressures on Linkfield Road with the construction of a dedicated
left-turn lane for motorists heading north towards the Bruce Highway
soon to be underway.”
--ENDS--
Source: Queensland Government - www.statements.qld.gov.au
Contact: Media Contact: Francis Dela Cruz – 0420 592 078
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