Ipswich/Logan interchange expands on project design

The landmark $255 million Ipswich/Logan interchange project will be expanded to include an upgrade to an additional 500 metres of motorway.

Queensland Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt and federal MPs Bernie Ripoll and Shayne Neumann said the announcement showed the commitment of the governments to work together to complete the upgrade of the entire motorway as soon as possible.

"By adding these additional works to the current project underway, we are minimising costs and improving on delivery time by completing more of the Ipswich Motorway sooner," Mr Neumann said.

"This extension to the eastern end of the project will take the motorway upgrade works from just east of the current interchange to approximately 150m beyond the existing Gailes pedestrian bridge,” Mr Ripoll said.

"There will be a substantial cost saving to motorists and the general public, and by finishing the works well clear of the interchange, tie-in work will be greatly simplified on future works to the Ipswich Motorway.”

The half-kilometre extension of upgrade works to the eastern end of the Ipswich/Logan Interchange project will include replacing the Gailes pedestrian bridge.

The new pedestrian bridge will be designed and constructed with upgraded pedestrian safety features including improved stairs and ramps for disabled access.

During a visit to the site of the original Logan Motorway overpass today, Mr Pitt said the Ipswich/Logan interchange upgrade project was making significant progress, with demolition of the old overpass due to start any day.

"This is an historic milestone for the project, as the overpass is the last remaining piece of the original interchange to be removed," Mr Pitt said.

"Its removal makes way for the completion of the second and final underpass that will connect the Logan and Ipswich motorways.

"The 30,000 vehicles a day that previously used the old Logan Motorway overpass now travel on a safer, newly completed underpass which was opened to traffic in September 2008.

"At project completion, dual two-lane underpasses will connect motorists between the Logan and Ipswich motorways.

"New free-flowing left-side ramps between the Ipswich Motorway west of the interchange and the Logan Motorway will allow for vehicles to transfer more safely and easily between the motorways."

Mr Pitt said a 20-tonne rock breaker would be used to cut away concrete and reinforced steel sections of the original Logan Motorway overpass, with a 40-tonne pulveriser used to break up the material which will be re-used as fill on site.

"The project is progressing well and signals the start of a new era as the Ipswich/Logan interchange starts to take shape," Mr Pitt said.

"Even with the expanded design and an additional half-kilometre of works, the project is expected to be completed around mid 2009, depending on construction and weather conditions.

"Motorists will continue to see benefits as individual stages of the project are finalised."

The project will widen the Ipswich Motorway to a minimum of six lanes between Gailes and Goodna, providing wider road shoulders to enable easy access for emergency vehicles to pass and improve safety by allowing vehicles an area to manoeuvre in an emergency.

Mr Pitt said when completed, the Ipswich/Logan interchange would provide the growing population with a safer and improved motorway.

"It will also feature new cycle lanes, better pedestrian facilities and better local access adjacent to and across the Ipswich Motorway," he said.

"The Western Corridor is one of the key growth areas in south-east Queensland extending from Wacol through Ipswich to Amberley.

"This project is one of a number of major transport projects underway that are transforming the Western Corridor."

Mr Pitt said the project was one of the most complex and challenging ever undertaken in Queensland.

“The Bligh Government is delivering the roads that provide safer, more efficient and more convenient connections for Queenslanders,” he said.

“It’s Q2 at its smartest – to have our sights set firmly on the future of all Queenslanders. We’re looking beyond the horizon, by planning and building now.”

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819