More motorist benefits as Ipswich Motorway Upgrade expands
02 August 2018
Federal Government: The
Ipswich Motorway Upgrade is set to provide even greater benefits to
motorists with extra works added to the project to further improve
safety and reduce congestion.
The Rocklea to Darra—Stage 1 project will now include an extension to
Boundary Road, adding new service
road connections across the Oxley
Creek floodplains.
Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said
the extension would link the new southern service road with the
intersection of Boundary and Blunder Roads at Oxley.
“The inclusion of the Boundary Road connection will deliver even more
benefits to the 85,000 motorists who use the Ipswich Motorway daily by
providing a critical link to improve safety and local connectivity,” Mr
Fletcher said.
“This is a positive addition to the project and a win for the heavy
freight industry, local businesses and commuters. Construction has also
started on four of the seven new
bridges, leaving the project well on track.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the service road was a win for the
local community.
“Adding new service roads means there is an alternative for motorists
and truckies other than using the motorway for that section,” Ms
Palaszczuk said.
“And that means less congestion.
“As I've said before, this project will not only improve safety and
travel times for motorists, it will support 470 direct jobs which is
great news for local workers and business.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main
Roads Mark Bailey said the additional works would improve safety and
reduce congestion on the Ipswich Motorway by redirecting local traffic
to local roads.
“This will further enhance connectivity on the upgraded local service
road network by providing a critical transport link across the Oxley
Creek floodplain, reducing the time it takes to respond to major traffic
incidents by creating an alternative route for emergency services and
traffic,” Mr Bailey said.
“The Boundary Road Connection would have remained out of scope if not
for the project team's thorough competitive market tendering and project
planning process.
“This included getting the best possible value for money by identifying
critical issues such as early land use requirements and pro-active
service relocation works. This means we can deliver the additional
large-scale Boundary Road Connection and associated local upgrade works
within the current budget.
“This major upgrade remains scheduled for completion in late 2020,
weather and construction conditions permitting.”
The $400 million Ipswich Motorway Upgrade—Rocklea to Darra—Stage 1
project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments
on a 50:50 basis.
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Source: Australian Government - www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au
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