GO BUTTON FOR IPSWICH MOTORWAY UPGRADE

Premier Anna Bligh has pressed the go button on the congestion-busting upgrade of the Ipswich Motorway between Dinmore and Goodna, ending years of uncertainty about the project.

The Premier and Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt, together with local Federal and State MPs, today announced the project team that will build the $1.1 billion plus road project on behalf of the Queensland and Australian Governments.

“The project team, known as the Origin Alliance, includes Abigroup, Fulton Hogan, Seymour Whyte Constructions, SMEC Australia and Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia,” Ms Bligh said.

The team has been formed following a rigorous open market selection process.

“This announcement means that full-scale construction of this major Ipswich Motorway upgrade between Dinmore and Goodna will start early next year, most likely by February.

“With this road project we are working closely with the Federal Government to provide the road and transport infrastructure necessary for our State’s continued economic development.

“It will play a key role in the Queensland Government’s strategy to make our State Australia’s strongest performing economy.

“Today’s announcement means the end of uncertainty for this project and the end of it being a political football.

“It also means some relief from congestion for the 90,000 motorists who drive this route every day.

“Within the eight kilometre stretch of road, 17 bridges will be demolished and 31 new bridges will be built.

“The road will be increased from its present four lanes to a minimum of six lanes, and there will also be a new network of service roads, which will mean local residents will no longer need to use the motorway for shorter local trips.

“These measures will ease traffic congestion and improve safety.”

Mr Pitt said the upgrade would also provide cycling and pedestrian facilities, improve connections between local communities with better access across the motorway, and make it safer and easier for people to access rail stations.

“Over the next four months, the project team will undertake detailed design and pre-construction activities,” he said.

“Main Roads will undertake stakeholder consultation, environmental approvals and land acquisitions.

“And what all that means is there is no turning back from this point.

“The people who use this motorway will finally have the quality road that they deserve.”

The project team already has started building its site office at Redbank Plains and in the next few weeks will carry out more technical investigations to help plan for construction.

Mr Pitt said the announcement of the project team meant the inaction of the Howard Government could be consigned to history.

“It is worth noting that the Howard Government’s obsession with the Goodna Bypass caused a four-year delay to this upgrade project,” he said.

“This left a legacy of increased congestion and higher construction costs.

“Fortunately, the blame game is now ended. The Rudd Government has made this road a priority.”

Media contact: Lorann Downer, Premier’s Office 0439 716 228

14 September 2008