Published Thursday, 11 September, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
New traffic lights to help provide safer alternative route to and from airport
The new Kingsford Smith Drive–Sugarmill Road traffic signals have been switched on, improving safety at the intersection and giving greater priority to motorists turning right out of Sugarmill Road onto Kingsford Smith Drive.
Main Roads Warren Pitt said the traffic signals would mean a safer trip to and from the Brisbane Airport, and provide motorists with an improved alternative route to the airport roundabout.
"The need to carry out some additional safety measures associated with the rail line crossing close to the intersection delayed the switching on of the lights as planned last week.
“However, all parties worked hard to ensure the necessary safety works were completed as soon as possible, meaning the signals could be safely switched on.”
Mr Pitt said the $800,000 traffic lights had been funded by the Queensland Government. The Main Roads Department had worked closely on the installation of the lights with the Brisbane City Council, Queensland Rail and the Brisbane Airport Corporation.
Mr Pitt said easing congestion for traffic to and from the airport precinct was a high priority for the government.
“The Queensland Government is moving ahead with the Airport Link project and a major upgrade of the Airport Drive roundabout to provide long-term solutions to the traffic impacts of sustained population growth.
"In the meantime, the Brisbane Airport Task Force, which includes the State Government, Brisbane Airport Corporation, transport, taxi and industry representatives, is busy delivering important initiatives to maintain safety and manage traffic congestion in the airport precinct," Mr Pitt said.
In December 2007 the Brisbane Airport Task Force identified a range of measures to improve traffic coming to and from the airport precinct, including the upgrade of the Kingsford Smith Drive and Sugarmill Road alternative route.
"There has already been a significant increase in motorists using the Kingsford Smith Drive–Sugarmill Road route, easing the strain on the Airport Drive roundabout.
“Public transport for commuters to the airport precinct has also been improved, with additional services and increased frequency for Brisbane Transport bus routes and the Airtrain.
“The Task Force recently launched a website to help people plan their trip to the airport precinct, with links to public transport timetables, web cams and traffic updates on road conditions to and from the airport precinct,” Mr Pitt said.
For more information on the Brisbane Airport Task Force and its initiatives, visit www.mainroads.qld.gov.au/airportyourtrip.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Warren Pitt said the traffic signals would mean a safer trip to and from the Brisbane Airport, and provide motorists with an improved alternative route to the airport roundabout.
"The need to carry out some additional safety measures associated with the rail line crossing close to the intersection delayed the switching on of the lights as planned last week.
“However, all parties worked hard to ensure the necessary safety works were completed as soon as possible, meaning the signals could be safely switched on.”
Mr Pitt said the $800,000 traffic lights had been funded by the Queensland Government. The Main Roads Department had worked closely on the installation of the lights with the Brisbane City Council, Queensland Rail and the Brisbane Airport Corporation.
Mr Pitt said easing congestion for traffic to and from the airport precinct was a high priority for the government.
“The Queensland Government is moving ahead with the Airport Link project and a major upgrade of the Airport Drive roundabout to provide long-term solutions to the traffic impacts of sustained population growth.
"In the meantime, the Brisbane Airport Task Force, which includes the State Government, Brisbane Airport Corporation, transport, taxi and industry representatives, is busy delivering important initiatives to maintain safety and manage traffic congestion in the airport precinct," Mr Pitt said.
In December 2007 the Brisbane Airport Task Force identified a range of measures to improve traffic coming to and from the airport precinct, including the upgrade of the Kingsford Smith Drive and Sugarmill Road alternative route.
"There has already been a significant increase in motorists using the Kingsford Smith Drive–Sugarmill Road route, easing the strain on the Airport Drive roundabout.
“Public transport for commuters to the airport precinct has also been improved, with additional services and increased frequency for Brisbane Transport bus routes and the Airtrain.
“The Task Force recently launched a website to help people plan their trip to the airport precinct, with links to public transport timetables, web cams and traffic updates on road conditions to and from the airport precinct,” Mr Pitt said.
For more information on the Brisbane Airport Task Force and its initiatives, visit www.mainroads.qld.gov.au/airportyourtrip.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819