Additional lanes open on Pacific Motorway

Works to increase capacity by two additional lanes on the Pacific Motorway have been completed under budget and ahead of schedule.

 

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the T2 lanes between Klumpp Road and the Gateway Motorway merge were removed and capacity increased for just $2.5 million.

 

“In less than 13 weeks we have been able to open this section of the Pacific Motorway to eight lanes - earlier than the original completion date of October 2013,” Mr Emerson said.

 

“The cost to deliver this simple solution came in at half of what we were expecting to spend, which means those savings can be re-directed into bridge protection works on this section of the Pacific Motorway.

 

“We have worked hard to deliver this project as quickly as possible with the T2 signage removed and transit lane restrictions lifted before commuters returned to work after the Easter break in April.

 

“From April we got on with the task of re-line marking the road to add two lanes in each direction and safety barriers were also installed.

 

“Unlike the previous government we have demonstrated that we can deliver infrastructure in a smarter, more cost-effective way.”

 

Member for Mansfield Ian Walker welcomed the additional capacity for motorists.

 

"Early indications have shown improvements in capacity since the new lanes have opened,” Mr Walker said.

 

“As the department continue to monitor the traffic I look forward to seeing how the travel times have improved over the coming months.”

 

Member for Sunnybank Mark Stewart said this solution was a much better use of the road space.

 

“It made much more sense to use existing infrastructure instead of building something from scratch,” Mr Stewart said.

 

“This has meant a quick solution for motorists with positive results.”

 

Member for Stretton Freya Ostapovitch said T2 lanes were installed on the Pacific Motorway by the former government to encourage carpooling more than a decade ago.

 

“Unfortunately carpooling just didn’t work and left motorists frustrated as they would sit in a congested lane while the T2 lane was left under capacity,” Ms Ostapovitch said.

 

Media contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625