Task force to explore options to reduce delays at airport roundabout

The Queensland Government has set up a special task force to investigate options to improve traffic flows at the Brisbane Airport roundabout.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the task force, which would hold its first meeting tomorrow, would provide high-level advice about how to relieve congestion problems at the intersection.

“This roundabout has been a source of frustration for motorists for some time,” Mr Pitt said.

“The recent installation of traffic signals at the roundabout has made the intersection safer and also made it easier for people to reach the airport in time to catch their flights.

“However, traffic leaving the airport is now queueing along Airport Drive.

“Turning off the signals is not an option as it would compromise the safety improvements we’ve made. But I am determined to examine all other options to relieve congestion at this site.

“I have asked Main Roads officers to set up a task force to develop actions that can be taken in the short term – up to two years – to reduce existing delays.”

The task force’s terms of reference include:
• maintaining or improving safety on all approaches to and from the airport precinct
• maintaining or improving the measures aimed at eliminating the queueing of vehicles from the roundabout onto the northbound carriageway of the Gateway Motorway
• maintaining or improving travel times and reliability for inbound and outbound traffic.

The task force will be made up of representatives from the RACQ, the Queensland Taxi Council, the Queensland departments of Main Roads and Transport, the Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services, Brisbane City Council, the Brisbane Airport Corporation, Queensland Motorways and Australia Trade Coast.

“This task force will operate until all short-term options to improve the situation have been considered and either implemented or ruled out,” Mr Pitt said.

“We must remember that the $1.9 billion Gateway Upgrade Project and other planned major road projects will deliver significant improvements for traffic along Airport Drive, starting from 2009.

“But I’m not prepared to wait that long — the issue needs to be addressed now.”

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819