Chance to have say on Airport Roundabout upgrade

The congestion-busting Airport Roundabout flyover is a step closer with locals getting the chance to have their say on plans for the major upgrade.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas urged people to take the opportunity to inspect new artist impressions and designs as part of the environmental assessment of the project.

Mr Lucas, said the upgrade project, due for completion in 2011 was expected to save more than 10 minutes on trips to and from Brisbane Airport during peak periods.

It is being built along with the Airport Link toll road and the second stage of the State Government’s Northern Busway as part of a massive $4.8 billion infrastructure investment on Brisbane’s northside.

“This is a congestion buster for one of South East Queensland’s most important intersections,” Mr Lucas said.

“There’s no question that this project is needed, but it is important that an environmental assessment is undertaken to identify the potential impacts and benefits of the design.”

Mr Lucas said the assessment report would consider air and water quality, noise, biodiversity and the economic benefits and impacts.

The Project involves the upgrade of the intersection at East-West Arterial and Nudgee roads and the Airport roundabout and includes:

• Improved connections to the airport precinct, the Gateway Motorway and local roads,
• Widening of the East-West Arterial Road to three traffic lanes in each direction,
• Replacing the existing Gateway Motorway overpass with a new four lane overpass,
• Replacing the existing roundabout with a high capacity signalised intersection,
• constructing a new four lane bridge linking the East-West Arterial Road and the Airport Drive over the Gateway Motorway overpass, and
• Surface road improvements to Airport Drive.

Construction on the project is expected to commence in mid-2009.

“By mid next year there will be substantial relief for people travelling to the airport from north or south of the river with the opening of the new connection from the Gateway Bridge to Airport Drive and onto Nudgee.”

Mr Lucas said residents and businesses in the local area had received information on the project in their letterbox but anyone wanting more information on the project can read the report on www.airportlink.qld.gov.au or go to the Visitor Information Centre at 109 Gympie Road, Kedron.

A model of the concept design is available at the Airport Link Visitor Information Centre.

Community members can give us their views as part of the environmental assessment by telephone on 1800 99 00 38 (freecall), email at aruprojectteam@cni.qld.gov.au or by writing to the project team.

Submissions close Monday October 20.

Media inquiries: Robert Hoge 0419 757 868