Published Sunday, 13 July, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
New airport access solution takes shape
The congestion-busting solution to Airport Drive will be another step closer next week when a new bridge for the Gateway Upgrade Project takes shape.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the bridge over the only major road to the airport was part of a new 7km section of the Gateway Motorway.
He said large concrete beams would be lifted into place above Airport Drive for four nights next week, starting on Monday (weather permitting).
The $1.88 billion Gateway Upgrade Project involves the duplication of the Gateway Bridge, 12km of upgrades to the motorway on the southside and 7km of new motorway on the northside through airport land.
“This bridge forms an important part of the upgrade, taking the new section of motorway over Airport Drive to a new airport interchange and through to Nudgee Road,” Mr Pitt said.
“When completed, the Gateway Motorway airport interchange will link up with a new access road being built by the Brisbane Airport Corporation that will provide a second route into the airport.
“Everyone is aware of the congestion issues at the airport roundabout and this new access route will provide immediate relief when it opens in the middle of next year.
“By the end of next week, the concrete beams across Airport Drive will be a tangible reminder that a solution to congestion is on its way.
“They will also provide firm evidence of my government’s commitment to build the capital works we need in our growing state, which is backed up by the $1.9 million we spend each hour of each day on vital infrastructure.”
Mr Pitt said changes to traffic conditions would be needed to accommodate next week’s construction activity.
“During the works, Airport Drive will be reduced to one lane between 8pm and 5am,” he said.
“Traffic will be diverted as necessary and short-term closures of Airport Drive for up to two minutes will be required at various times to allow bridge components to be lifted into place safely.
“These closures and any other inconvenience to airport users will be kept to a minimum, but a little bit of short-term pain is small price to pay for the long-term gains that this work will bring.”
For more information about the changed traffic conditions, phone 1800 700 525 or visit www.gatewayupgradeproject.com.au
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the bridge over the only major road to the airport was part of a new 7km section of the Gateway Motorway.
He said large concrete beams would be lifted into place above Airport Drive for four nights next week, starting on Monday (weather permitting).
The $1.88 billion Gateway Upgrade Project involves the duplication of the Gateway Bridge, 12km of upgrades to the motorway on the southside and 7km of new motorway on the northside through airport land.
“This bridge forms an important part of the upgrade, taking the new section of motorway over Airport Drive to a new airport interchange and through to Nudgee Road,” Mr Pitt said.
“When completed, the Gateway Motorway airport interchange will link up with a new access road being built by the Brisbane Airport Corporation that will provide a second route into the airport.
“Everyone is aware of the congestion issues at the airport roundabout and this new access route will provide immediate relief when it opens in the middle of next year.
“By the end of next week, the concrete beams across Airport Drive will be a tangible reminder that a solution to congestion is on its way.
“They will also provide firm evidence of my government’s commitment to build the capital works we need in our growing state, which is backed up by the $1.9 million we spend each hour of each day on vital infrastructure.”
Mr Pitt said changes to traffic conditions would be needed to accommodate next week’s construction activity.
“During the works, Airport Drive will be reduced to one lane between 8pm and 5am,” he said.
“Traffic will be diverted as necessary and short-term closures of Airport Drive for up to two minutes will be required at various times to allow bridge components to be lifted into place safely.
“These closures and any other inconvenience to airport users will be kept to a minimum, but a little bit of short-term pain is small price to pay for the long-term gains that this work will bring.”
For more information about the changed traffic conditions, phone 1800 700 525 or visit www.gatewayupgradeproject.com.au
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819