Ipswich Motorway Upgrade team moves into project office in Rocklea

Works are ramping up on the $400 million Ipswich Motorway with the construction team now on site.

Queensland Premier and Member for Inala Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Ipswich Motorway was currently a major source of frustration for more than 85,000 motorists who use this section of the motorway daily.

“The contractor, a joint venture between three Queensland local companies, have now moved onto site taking the project one step closer to start of construction later this year,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“We’re committed to creating jobs for Queenslanders and this project will support 470 direct jobs during construction and provide flow-on benefits to businesses in the local area.”

Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher said this major infrastructure project would upgrade the Ipswich Motorway from four to six lanes along a three-kilometre stretch between Rocklea and Oxley.

“This important project will provide greater safety for road users, particularly freight, with additional lanes and improved road design,” Mr Fletcher said.

“More than 12,000 commercial vehicles travelling daily on this road will experience improved travel times and motorway capacity into the industrial heart of Brisbane.”

Acting Queensland Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Steven Miles said the successful contractor, Bielby Hull Albem Joint Venture, had established their compound on Boundary Road in Rocklea.

“The contractor has been busy over the past couple of months carrying out further ground testing and locating underground utility services in readiness for start of construction,” Mr Miles said.

“Construction is due to begin later this year and will see the upgrade of the Ipswich Motorway from between Granard Road and Oxley Road."

Member for Yeerongpilly Mark Bailey said, once completed, the upgrade would allow motorists to spend more time at home with friends and family, not stuck in congestion during their daily commutes.

“The upgrade includes building higher bridges over the Oxley Creek area, which will greatly improve flood immunity through Oxley and Rocklea. This is a big win for the local community as well as the freight industry.”

Member for Sunnybank Peter Russo said he looked forward to the project getting underway.

“Local connectivity for businesses and residents of Rocklea and Oxley will be enhanced with two new service road connections on either side of the motorway at Oxley Creek,” Mr Russo said.

Member for Algester Leanne Enoch said the commercial vehicles and local commuters who travel this road on a daily basis would experience improved travel times and motorway capacity.

“Once construction begins, night works will take place to minimise disruptions to traffic during peak travel times so local motorists will still be able to travel to and from work,” Ms Enoch said.

The $400 million Ipswich Motorway Upgrade: Rocklea to Darra project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and the Queensland governments on a shared 50:50 basis.

Media Contacts:

For Ms Palaszczuk:          Kirby Anderson                0417 263 791

For Dr Miles:                   Amy Hunter                     0423 651 484

For Mr Bailey:                                                       (07) 3414 2120

For Mr Russo:                                                       (07) 3414 3120

For Ms Enoch:                                                       (07) 3737 2110