The newly upgraded Springfield Greenbank Arterial has officially opened, marking a major milestone in improving traffic flow and safety for one of Ipswich’s busiest corridors.
Final Works Underway
The SGA Stage 3 upgrade, which includes the replacement of the Main Street roundabout with a signalised intersection, is set to improve traffic flow and safety for motorists. Traffic lights at the site were activated for testing recently, with full functionality expected to commence shortly.
All lanes of the upgraded road are planned to be operational before Christmas Day, weather permitting. Landscaping and other ancillary works will continue into the new year.
In tandem, significant changes are also planned for Exit 32 off the Centenary Motorway. The exit will feature four lanes, comprising two through lanes and two left-turning lanes, but no right-turn option.
This change is designed to optimise the performance of the intersection and manage congestion caused by a new pedestrian crossing. Motorists requiring a right turn are advised to use alternative routes, including Exit 31.
Community Impact and Benefits
The changes to Exit 32 have been the subject of detailed traffic analysis, which revealed minimal demand for right turns. These adjustments, combined with additional lanes and signalised intersections, aim to enhance overall travel reliability and safety. For residents accessing the Brighton Homes Arena, further measures are being explored to ease traffic flow during major events, with Exit 31 serving as the recommended route.
The project is part of Ipswich’s largest roadworks initiative and is fully funded by the state. Construction of the off-ramp upgrade is being carried out by Council, which is also overseeing the duplication of the Springfield Greenbank Arterial.
Timeline and Next Steps
Although significant progress has been made, weather-related construction challenges have pushed the full opening of the Exit 32 off-ramp to late January 2025. Council confirmed that batter armouring is being implemented at the site to ensure durability and minimise future maintenance. Meanwhile, the final stages of Stage 3 works include pathways, guardrails, asphalt surfacing, and line marking.
Stage 1 preparations for maintenance milestones have been finalised, while early works for Stage 2—focused on stormwater systems and utility relocations—are set to begin early 2025.
Long-Term Vision
The Springfield Greenbank Arterial upgrade is part of a larger strategy to improve connectivity and reduce congestion in Ipswich. By enhancing intersections and adding new lanes, the project addresses key traffic bottlenecks while prioritising pedestrian and motorist safety. Local authorities are collaborating to ensure minimal disruption during the transition period and provide clear signage to help motorists adapt to the changes.
Motorists are encouraged to exercise patience as construction enters its final stages and new travel arrangements are introduced.
Published 22-Dec-2024