Airport roundabout task force report due next month

The Brisbane Airport roundabout task force would submit several options for the Queensland Government to consider by the middle of next month, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt told Parliament today.

Mr Pitt said the task force was developing proposals to help relieve congestion at the Airport Drive interchange.

“This task force, which met for the first time less than a month ago, has been set a very challenging task,” he said.

“The task force is examining options for short-term measures to reduce the traffic congestion in the area and a report will be submitted to me by mid-December.  The installation of signals at the roundabout has achieved the key goals of safety and reliability – the intersection is now much safer, and motorists travelling to the airport are now more likely to make their flight.

“Another significant improvement has been the reduction in queuing on the north-bound off-ramp, allowing an extra 400 vehicles an hour to flow along the motorway.

“But the prospect of two more years of potential congestion at the interchange is a major concern and that’s why the task force was established.”

Mr Pitt said options being considered included:
• the possible upgrade or enforcement of alternative routes
• the possibility of an extra westbound lane from the airport to the roundabout
• the promotion of alternative travelling modes, including the option to make public transport in the area more attractive.

“Obviously the final options must reduce the current traffic congestion and be both time and cost effective,” he said.

“Although I am committed to identifying short-term measures to improve the situation, the real solution is the $1.9 billion Gateway Upgrade Project, with its northern deviation due to be completed by late 2009.

“This is expected to relieve congestion at the roundabout by up to 40 per cent.”

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819