More motorist benefits as Ipswich Motorway Upgrade expands

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.

For further information on the project, visit

www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/I/Ipswich-Motorway-Upgrade-Rocklea-to-Darra-Stage-1-Granard-Road-to-Oxley-Road or call the project team on 1800 204 990.

ENDS

Media contact for Minister Bailey: Dominic Geiger, 0447355565