Locals experienced a major traffic switch in Ipswich following the demolition of the old westbound bridges, to make way for a 3-km upgrade of the Ipswich Motorway between Granard Road, Rocklea and Oxley Road, Oxley.
The traffic change will allow for the establishment of the new, higher westbound motorway lanes and bridges over Oxley Creek floodplain. This is the next important milestone for the first stage of Rocklea to Darra project.
During the traffic change weekend, the Department of Transport and Main Roads assured that access to local businesses on Ipswich Road (northern and southern service roads) will be maintained.
Here are benefits of the $400-million Ipswich Motorway upgrade:
- Reliability – improved traffic flow and reduced congestion creating more reliable, consistent travel times.
- Safety – upgraded road safety on the motorway with improved sight distances, safer access to and from the motorway.
- Connectivity – enhanced local connectivity for all road users, pedestrians and cyclists with new service road connectors reducing the need for local trips on the motorway.
- Flood immunity – improving the motorway’s flood immunity by constructing higher bridges over Oxley Creek.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the switch is a major milestone for the project and a key part of upgrading the motorway from four to six lanes between Granard Road, Rocklea and east of Oxley Road Interchange.
“These bridges will carry more than 85,000 vehicles daily and will boost the motorway’s flood immunity by being built to current standards,” Mr Tudge said in a media statement.
During the works, DTMR will place detours, signage and variable message sign (VMS) advising of the changed traffic conditions. The department advises residents to allow extra time when planning their travel.
Based on the department’s project timeline, construction is due for completion in early 2021. For more information and latest updates about the project, visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads website.