The Queensland government has issued an update on the state’s plans for an upgrade of the Centenary Motorway.
As it stands, the Centenary Motorway between Darra and Toowong services over 90,000 vehicles per day in some sections.
With traffic on the route expected to increase dramatically in the coming years, upgrades will be needed to avoid congestion and improve safety.
A total $10 million had previously been allocated by the Miles government for the upgrades.
This week, premier Steven Miles and transport minister Bart Mellish joined the member for Mount Ommaney Jess Pugh to release options being considered for the future of the Centenary Motorway, as part of master planning for the region.
Options being looked at include improvements to the existing motorway or tunnels for part, or all, of the corridor.
The government’s investment arm, QIC, will work with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to build on the learnings gathered from another key congestion-busting project, the Gympie Road Bypass tunnel.
QIC will consider and provide advice on the economic merits of further investment including surface improvements and tunnel connections in western Brisbane.
The master plan will identify the most effective staging approach to deliver the motorway upgrade in the medium- to long-term between the Ipswich Motorway in Darra and Milton Road in Toowong.
It will also examine connectivity to and from Legacy Way.
Similar to what is being planned along Gympie Road, tunnel options for the Centenary Motorway could provide opportunities for public transport, cycling and walking improvements along this corridor.
Construction of the $298.5 million Centenary Bridge Upgrade across the Brisbane River is well underway, delivering a second critical crossing over the river.
Its completion will increase motorway capacity and improve safety for users of the Centenary Motorway at Jindalee.
Premier Steven Miles said in a statement: “I know how important quality local roads networks are to supporting our growing region.
“As more people move to Brisbane, we are seeing congestion on arterials, like the Centenary Motorway, grow quicker than we can build new connections.
“That’s why today, I have released options under consideration for new connections between Darra and Toowong.
“It builds on my government’s strong track record of delivering for the region, including a brand-new bridge on the Centenary Motorway.
“This level of investment doesn’t just happen overnight – it follows strong local advocacy from local MPs Jess Pugh and Margie Nightingale, and their constituents.”