New technology takes off at the Brisbane airport precinct

Ground-breaking technology being trialled for the first time in Australia is helping to inform motorists about travel delays when leaving the Brisbane airport precinct.

Main Roads Warren Pitt Minister said a variable message sign (VMS) had been erected on Airport Drive to display real-time travel information to motorists as they exited the airport precinct.

Mr Pitt said the VMS would let motorists know how long it would take them to reach the airport roundabout via Airport Drive, when leaving the terminals.

“Installing this cutting-edge technology at the airport precinct will help motorists make informed choices about how they leave the airport," Mr Pitt said.

"The system, which has been a success overseas, uses sensors to measure traffic volumes and vehicle speeds, communicating the travel time information via the 3G mobile network to the message boards.

"The VMS will also be used to advise motorists of traffic incidents on the roads surrounding the airport and which alternative routes they can use to minimise delays, such as the Lomandra Drive-Sugarmill Road route.

“This is a result of recommendations made by the Brisbane Airport Task Force to improve traffic flow within the airport precinct.”

Mr Pitt said the system would be trialled at the airport for 12 months, with live messages operating from today (Friday).

"If the system proves successful, it could be maintained over the longer term and expanded to cover other parts of the airport precinct and the surrounding road network," he said.

“Managing congestion around the airport is a top priority for the Bligh Government and we are committed to providing short and long-term initiatives, including new technology and major road projects to reduce delays.

“Projects such as Airport Link, a major upgrade of the Airport Roundabout and the Gateway Upgrade Project will provide long-term traffic solutions around the precinct and cater for future population growth and development.”

Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) executive manager of corporate relations Jim Carden said BAC strongly supported the initiatives to ease congestion on the airport precinct’s roads.

"The new VMS signage, combined with other techniques and upgrades implemented by the Brisbane Airport Task Force, will go a long way in assisting motorists to choose the fastest path to or from Brisbane Airport," Mr Carden said.

The Brisbane Airport Task Force, which includes representatives from government, BAC and transport, taxi and industry representatives, is also delivering key initiatives to maintain safety and manage traffic congestion in the airport precinct.

Mr Pitt said the task force’s promotion of the Kingsford Smith Drive-Sugarmill Road alternative route lead to a significant increase in motorists using it as an alternative to the Airport roundabout.

“Task force initiatives such as improved public transport with additional services, an expanded network of Traffic Response Units, and the Main Roads Motorway Breakdown Response Service, are also helping to keep traffic flowing,” Mr Pitt said.

“The task force has also launched a website to help people plan their trip to the airport with links to public transport timetables, web cams and traffic updates.”

For more details or to see the airport travel site visit www.mainroads.qld.gov.au/airportyourtrip

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819