Roads - articles and discussion

[ozbob]

Delays from Wacol on the Ipswich Mwy & Centenary Hwy fr Richlands after a prang at Jindalee #bnetraffic #chopperview pic.twitter.com/GoR7MDdhKD

— Dave Andrews (@chopperdaveqld) October 23, 2016

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2016/10/27/queenslands-great-big-roads-ripoff

Media Statements
Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Queensland's great big roads rip-off

Minister for Main Roads Mark Bailey has slammed the Turnbull Government for siphoning promised roads funding for Queensland and spending it interstate.

Following the Federal Government's Northern Australia Roads Programme (NARP) announcement this week, Mr Bailey said the figures for Queensland don't add up and that the Prime Minister has some very serious questions to answer over it.

"The Turnbull Government in its 2016-17 budget allocated just over $375 million in NARP funding for Queensland and based on this we put forward 26 projects," Mr Bailey said.

"Six projects for Queensland were announced in the first round of funding and just four in the second round this week which means the total funding for Queensland under NARP is $223.8 million.

"Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester confirmed in a letter to me that the assessment process for NARP has now been finalised.

"This leaves Queensland's share of funding $151.3 million short or 40 per cent less than promised and vital projects unfunded.

"There's also a further $5.6 million dollars missing from our Beef Roads allocation, so in total this week we've been short changed $156.8 million.

"The Palaszczuk Government did our bit, we've had our 20 per cent on the table ready to go for the entire list of projects since the June Budget."

Mr Bailey said it's clear where the Federal Government's priorities lie, and it's not Queensland.

"We've been short changed on the M1 Pacific Motorway and now we're being short changed on road projects in North Queensland," Mr Bailey said.

"The Prime Minister and his posse have the hide to show their faces in Queensland this week, grandstanding that these upgrades would greatly benefit northern Queensland.

"What about the projects and regions that missed out because they've decided to shift the goal posts again.

"Queensland Senator and so-called champion of the north Matt Canavan needs to explain to Queenslanders why the allocated funding for regional projects and jobs in Queensland is being spent elsewhere.

"It's clear after Mr Turnbull's comments earlier this month, he's taking Queensland's fair share to placate other states."

"We are spending a very substantial share of our national land transport infrastructure investment in Queensland, other states complain we're spending too much in Queensland to be quite frank." – Malcolm Turnbull, ABC 612 (5 October, 2016)

Minister Bailey said Queensland is a vast decentralised state with some 186,000 kilometres of public roads including 33,343 km of state-controlled roads, which is more than any other state or territory.

"Of course more funding should be spent on Queensland's roads infrastructure than other States," Mr Bailey said.

"Our roads network is a vital link across Queensland and serves a diverse economy from mining, agriculture, tourism and service industries.

"We're also subject to extreme climate conditions more than others that impact our roads network like cyclones and flooding.

"It's extremely disappointing that the Turnbull Government won't honour their budget commitment.

"We need these projects to happen, to get shovels in the ground and to support regional jobs, our local communities and local industries deserve nothing less."

List of unfunded Queensland NARP projects:

    National Land Transport Network:  Road Renewal
    Flinders Highway (Hughenden – Cloncurry):  Pavement widening and strengthening (Package 2)
    Flinders Highway (Townsville – Charters Towers):  Overtaking lanes
    Flinders Highway (Townsville – Charters Towers):  Heavy vehicle safety and productivity package
    Capricorn Highway (Rockhampton – Duaringa):  Valentine Creek bridge upgrade
    Gregory Developmental Road (Belyando Crossing – Charter Towers):  Pavement widening
    Gulf Developmental Road (East of Mount Surprise – Normanton):  Pavement widening (Package 1)
    Landsborough Highway (Barcaldine – Cloncurry):  Heavy vehicle rest areas and stopping places
    Burke and Karumba Developmental Roads (Cloncurry – Karumba):  Pavement widening (Package 1)
    Cairns (Captain Cook Highway):  Cairns Airport Access upgrade (Stage 1)
    Capricorn Highway (Duaringa – Emerald):  Gregory Highway intersection upgrade

ENDS

[ozbob]

Logan Motorway toll to be charged until 2051, not 2018: State Government > https://t.co/INOYtPXur5 via @brisbanetimes #qldpol

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) October 27, 2016

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2016/10/29/safety-improvements-for-ipswich-intersection

Media Statements
Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Safety improvements for Ipswich intersection

Tenders have been called for a $2.75 million safety upgrade to the intersection of Pine and Delacy streets in North Ipswich. 

Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey visited the intersection with Ipswich West MP Jim Madden and said the site had a high crash history and providing a safer intersection for motorists and pedestrians was a priority for the Palaszczuk Government.

"There have been 41 reported crashes between 2007 and 2012 at this intersection, which included 26 people being injured so this upgrade needed to happen," Mr Bailey said.

"We are focusing on improving safety at the intersection for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists by installing traffic signals.

"I want to thank Mr Madden for his hard work and strong advocacy for these important safety improvements."

The safety improvement works will include:

    maintaining the free left hand turn from Delacy Street into Pine Street
    installation of new chevrons and line marking
    installation of pedestrian crossings at the signals
    removal of vegetation and some drainage improvements.

Mr Madden said far too many preventable crashes have happened at this intersection which is used by about 11,000 drivers daily.

"As well as increasing safety, these works will also improve local network access to important tourist destinations such as The Workshops Rail Museum on the Cobb and Co Tourist Route," Mr Madden said.

"Tenders for construction have now been called and residents directly impacted by the works will be contacted by the end of 2016.

"The community will also be given the opportunity to provide feedback on the final design.

"Construction is due to begin early next year and the project is scheduled to be completed in mid-2017."

For more information, please contact the TMR project team on 13QGOV or by email at metropolitanregion@tmr.qld.gov.au.

ENDS

[ozbob]

Telegraph Road upgrade reaches final stage with promise of halving peak travel time. https://t.co/TVZMm0TJm7 @RuthMcCosker

— Quest Newspapers (@QuestNewspapers) November 22, 2016

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin -->Almost 7000 Gold Coast residents sign petition urging government to rethink Pacific Motorway upgrade to Tugun

ALMOST 7000 residents have signed a petition calling for a rethink about the widening of the Pacific Motorway, with the focus on the congested southern section on the Gold Coast.

The Mudgeeraba to Robina upgrade of the Pacific Motorway from four lanes to six lanes, which essentially upgrades the highway as it heads south, has been listed as the next major M1 project.

But Main Roads planners and southern-based state MPs believe a bigger priority is fixing the traffic jam from the south of the Bermuda Street interchange at Reedy Creek.

Currumbin MP Jann Stuckey has launched a petition and e-petition, to be handed to State Parliament, which had gathered almost 7000 signatures before the deadline closes tomorrow.

"It beggars belief that this section form Varsity to Tugun is not even being included in planning and there is no business case," Ms Stuckey said.

"Without this we are not even on the radar and promised works to Varsity will only exacerbate congestion woes that we are already experiencing here in the south."

Burleigh MP Michael Hart also supports a leap frogging of upgrades on the M1 to target the worst spots for traffic congestion.

Planners within the Transport Department have told him the Bermuda St interchange and Gateway merge are the two trouble spots which must be fixed before other planned upgrades.

The upgrade of the Mudgeeraba to Robina section would only increase the problem at the Bermuda Street interchange and both projects should be started at the same time, they advised the MP.

While the problem areas of the M1 have been identified, future funding is undetermined with the State Government wanting a 50-50 split and the Federal Government committing 20 per cent.

Ms Stuckey said she had to advise motorists that major excavation works at Palm Beach on the M1 did not involve any road widening.

"I have spoken to hundreds of local residents and they are mad as hell that $1.9 million is being spent to install safety barriers without widening the M1," Ms Stuckey said.

"No-one is disputing that safety is important but they do dispute poor planning that wastes taxpayers' money."

In a statement yesterday, the Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety, Mark Bailey, said it was "disturbing that any Member of Parliament would seek to delay important safety upgrades to make a political point".

"Safety works involving vegetation clearing and installation of safety barriers (wire rope and/or guardrail) along the Pacific Motorway (M1) in Palm Beach is being undertaken to complement existing barriers."

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Logan Motorway upgrade given green light

[Marshal]

The Logan Motorway is like the road equivalent of a rug sale. I honestly struggle to remember a solid period of time there hasn't been major upgrade work occurring somewhere along it. It's perpetually being built

[petey3801]

The Logan Motorway is like the road equivalent of a rug sail. I honestly struggle to remember a solid period of time there hasn't been major upgrade work occurring somewhere along it. It's perpetually being built

Agreed! It is very much like the Sydney Harbour Bridge painting story. Start at one end, finish at the other and start again.

[verbatim9]

LM announces plans to upgrade and widen the ICB are one step closer - #firstlook at the upgrade below #infrastructure https://t.co/GQd2w5cZhO

[ozbob]

LM announces plans to upgrade and widen the ICB are one step closer - #firstlook at the upgrade below #infrastructure pic.twitter.com/GQd2w5cZhO

— Team Quirk (@Team_Quirk) November 29, 2016

[verbatim9]

^^I noticed busses going both directions on the ICB. Are afternoon services using it outbound or are they proposed future SW bound services?

[James]

I hope the '70' on the speed signs isn't a sign that we're going to see the speed limit lowered to 70 on the eastbound carriageway of the ICB - 70 is already painfully slow on the westbound carriageway.

Another cash cow for QPS and their 'flash for cash'!

^^I noticed busses going both directions on the ICB. Are afternoon services using it outbound or are they proposed future SW bound services?

There will be an on-ramp coming from Bowen Bridge Rd northbound on to the ICB westbound, which links to the INB. With this upgrade, P4XX routes will now be able to use Legacy Way in both directions.

[verbatim9]

^^Cool

[bcasey]

From looking at the video, it appears like cars will be able to use that onramp as well as buses to get onto the ICB westbound. The configuration shown there will also allow buses coming from the northside past the RBWH stop, or buses from the INB to go onto the ICB/Legacy Way tunnel. I'm not sure how useful that would be, but it does open up different options for routes.

I wonder if incidents of cars accidentally going onto the busway will increase, because of their ability to use the offramp and possibly getting confused.

I realise the visualisation is just for demonstration, but there was a crazy amount of buses going in the opposite direction, like one every 6 - 10 seconds. I highly doubt they would have a frequency that high in reality along there.

[ozbob]

7 News given an inside look at improvements planned for Brisbane's Inner City Bypass. @KatrinaBlowers #bnetraffic https://t.co/i9zLysj9gI

— 7 News Queensland (@7NewsQueensland) November 29, 2016

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> RACQ Travel Time report shows train fiasco behind traffic headaches in October

TRAVEL speeds plummeted on major Brisbane roads in October when rail commuters turned to driving during Queensland Rail's deepening train timetable fiasco.

The RACQ's latest Travel Timereport reveals a drop in average speed on significant sections of state-­controlled transport corridors.

The report examines key stretches of the Pacific and Ipswich motorways, along with the Centenary, Bruce and Mt Lindesay highways, and inner-Brisbane road corridors.

It found the biggest drop in average speed was on the Centenary Hwy, in the city's southwest, between Augusta Park-way and Waterford Rd. It slowed 46 per cent from the six-month average, to 33km/h in morning peak hour in October.

In the city's south, speeds on the Mt Lindesay Hwy, between Park Ridge interchange and Browns Plains, dropped 20 per cent to average 38km/h on the morning commute.

"With widespread train cancellations last month leading to confusion and delays, it's no surprise commuters were forced back into their cars," RACQ spokeswoman Renee Smith said.

She said the impact was extensive but congestion usually built during the latter months when the city moved towards Christmas.

"We remind motorists to exercise patience on the road at this time of year," she said.

"Everyone is trying to get to where they need to be as quickly as they can, so be courteous to others."

QR said a critical driver shortage had resulted in hundreds of rail services being axed. The Moreton Bay Rail Link exacerbated the problem when it came online in October.

While analysis revealed significant drops in morning speeds, results for the afternoon commute varied.

"We actually saw an improvement in the time it took for motorists to get home on four of the most congested motorway sections, which is good news for commuters," Ms Smith said.

The section of the Centenary Hwy from Waterford Rd overpass to west of Augusta dropped 13km/h to average 63km/h but the Pacific Mwy from Kessels Rd to the Gateway Mwy improved by 20 per cent to reach 41km/h.

Major state corridors in inner suburbs also fared poorly. South Pine Rd in Everton Park, remained at crawling average of 15km/h between Samford Rd and Stafford Rd.

[techblitz]

hard to pinpoint it really....there were some rbot members late October who noticed a visual decrease in passenger numbers on the trains and an increase in rd traffic (tazzer noticed increase on centenary hwy)


But you could also point this @ brisbanes building boom.....greater springfield/flagstone....only set to worsen..
eg: browns plains which is starting to struggle heavily with the increasing flagstone truck / tradies / builders....heavily setting back routes such as p141,150/140/138 & 130 for that matter around Compton/beaudesert rds....also the 534 peak crosstown otr is abysmal (Johnson rd).

[ozbob]

Motorists hit hard by QR driver shortage > https://t.co/1X3JJLwRE8 via @brisbanetimes #qldpol

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) December 1, 2016

[ozbob]

Traffic lights cnr Alice and Albert Sts Goodna turned on today!
Thanks to Fed Govt & @IpswichCouncil @PaulTully !
100th set by ICC pic.twitter.com/17Pt3FwlUH

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) December 2, 2016

[ozbob]

^ this intersection was identified as a high risk under the Federal Government Black Spot program (due to large number of crashes) and upgraded with traffic lights with funding by the Federal Government and ICC in part.  Intersection is used by lot of general traffic, school buses and pedestrians, particularly children walking to and from school.  So good to see it done.

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> The newest centurion...and it's not Steve Smith!


TON UP: Cr Paul Tully, Cr Cheryl Bromage and Robert Dow of Goodna celebrate Ipswich's 100th set of traffic lights on the corner of Albert and Alice Street, Goodna.

AUSTRALIAN Test cricket captain Steve Smith take note.

If you are after a reliable centurion look no further than Ipswich.

The 100th set of Ipswich City Council traffic lights in the city was turned on today at the intersection of Alice St and Albert St, Goodna by councillors Paul Tully and Cheryl Bromage.

The $400,000 project is jointly funded by Ipswich City Council and the Federal Government's black spot program.

The historic occasion, over 50 years since the first traffic light was installed in the city, is both a sign of Ipswich's growth and also an addition to road safety in the city.

Ipswich transport guru Robert Dow lives nearby the new lights and said they were much needed.

"This intersection is a notorious black spot and the traffic lights will go a long way to increasing the general safety, not only for vehicles but also for the pedestrian traffic as well," he said.

"We've had a lot of near misses in terms of children crossing the road with vehicles and there have been a lot of straight-out road accidents.

"So we are really pleased that we got the upgrade to this intersection."

Cr Tully, wielding the willow to celebrate the city's ton, said the presence of nearby schools made the lights a valuable addition to public safety.

"And the significance of the cricket bats is that we are scoring a ton in Ipswich today, something the Australian cricketers find difficulty in doing," he grinned.

"This is important, not just because it is a busy intersection, but there are two schools at the end of Albert St and Alice St and there is a lot of heavy traffic here.

"That's right through the day, but particularly at peak hours and school time.

"Some people might think they are just another set of traffic lights, but they will save lives and hopefully no accidents occur from now on."


Artist Andrea Moser has painted the artwork to cover the control box for Ipswich's 100th set of traffic lights on the corner of Albert and Alice Street, Goodna.

City infrastructure boss, Cr Bromage, said crash data had indicated the intersection was a higher priority than others. The lights, she said, were also a sign of the times.

"It shows an indication of a growing population when we have to put this infrastructure on older roads in the city," she said.

Ipswich City Council employee Andrea Moser did the art work which adorns the traffic light control box, commemorating the 100th traffic light, and she has called it 'Bright Directions'.

"That's because the future of Ipswich looks to be very bright with all the innovations we are doing," she said.

CENTURION: Cr Paul Tully, Robert and Isabel Dow with granddaughter Ava Bowers, 5, Cr Cheryl Bromage and Shane Barnes celebrate Ipswich's 100th set of traffic lights on the corner of Albert and Alice Street, Goodna.

[verbatim9]

Do they get pedestrian counters too similar to that of BCC traffic lights?

[ozbob]

No, none that I am aware of in ICC region.

[Stillwater]

Paul Tully is the best self-publicist around and must be coming up for a record of his own, if he has not yet passed it, to be Australia's longest serving councillor.  His predecessor, Ossie Knoblanche, was another character, but both have/had a tireless passion for the community they represent.

[ozbob]

Yes indeed. Cr Paul Tully (Deputy Mayor ICC) is the longest serving Councillor in Oz and is a champion for our community.

From the Queensland Times 3rd December 2016 page 6

Ipswich celebrates its 100th set of traffic lights

[ozbob]

6th December 2016

Media Release
Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Active transport users benefit from the $512M Logan Motorway Enhancement Project

Pedestrians and cyclists will benefit from the $512 million Logan Motorway Enhancement Project, thanks to shared cycle and pedestrian paths and dedicated bicycle lanes.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the Transurban Queensland market-led proposal included 2km of shared cycle and pedestrian paths.

"The Logan Motorway Enhancement Project involves upgrading parts of the Logan and Gateway Extension motorways, including improving key congestion hot spots and building new south-facing ramps at Compton Road," Mr Pitt said.

Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said the shared paths will run along the Beaudesert Road/Mt Lindesay Highway corridor between Illaweena Street and Acacia Street

"There will be dedicated bicycle lanes through the intersections with traffic signals that will be upgraded," Mr Bailey said.

Member for Stretton Duncan Pegg said the lanes would make a valuable link for the cycle network for the community. 

"The project also includes a distinctive bridge allowing pedestrians and cyclists to travel over the new eastbound service road linking to the Gateway Extension Motorway," Mr Pegg said.

"An on-road cycle lane and an off-road footpath will be constructed on each side of Compton Road."

Member for Algester Leeanne Enoch said this was a great addition to the project that will improve road safety and travel times for all local road users.

"Not only is the project a big win for local motorists, but cyclists and pedestrians will also share the benefits of this Queensland-first Market-Led Proposal," Ms Enoch said.

Member for Woodridge Cameron Dick said the plans included an on-road cycle lane on each side of Wembley Road.

"There will be an off-road footpath and an on-road bike path on each side of Wembley Road which is great for local families and cyclists," Mr Dick said.

Member for Logan Linus Power said detailed design of the Logan Motorway Enhancement Project, including the pedestrian and cycle paths will begin early next year.

"Construction of the project will take two years and is expected to start in mid-2017," he said.

"The project will support about 1,300 jobs, which is great news for south east Queensland."

The 130m bridge is visible in the 'user experience' videos which are available on the LEP website at http://www.loganenhancementproject.com.au/explore-the-design

For more information about the project, please visit http://www.loganenhancmentproject.com.au

ENDS



Pedestrian and cycle paths will be installed at:

    Beaudesert Road/ Mt Lindesay Highway:
        Off-road shared path on the eastern side of Mt Lindesay Highway and Beaudesert
        Road, including a 130m new bridge structure over the new eastbound service road traffic lanes.

    Wembley Road
        On-road cycle lane on each side of Wembley Road
        Off-road footpath on each side of Wembley Road

    Compton Road
        On-road cycle lane on each side of Compton Road
        Off-road footpath on each side of Compton Road

    lllaweena Street underneath the Gateway Extension Motorway
        Off-road Shared Path on the northern side of Illaweena Street.

[ozbob]

Council says time's running out to negotiate the Lytton Road upgrade. @MyleeHogan #bnetraffic #7News https://t.co/WZFW9finoD

— 7 News Queensland (@7NewsQueensland) February 7, 2017

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> M1 congestion turns off driving visitors to Gold Coast but solution is said to be close

THE daily congestion on the M1 is pulling tourist numbers down but Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the state and federal governments are close to a solution.

Gold Coast Tourism chairman Paul Donovan said visitor numbers from places just a drive away were below expectations for the Coast.

"It has been a little bit

soft but I think that's a combination of the M1 and some other things," he said.

"We just have to keep working on promoting."

Mr Donovan's comments came just moments after the Premier gave the first sign of hope in the longstanding battle to fund upgrades of the M1.

The state and federal governments have been arguing for almost a year about which should provide a majority of the funding for the upgrade.

The federal government says the funding should be split evenly while the state is angling for the Turnbull Government to foot 80 per cent of the bill.

Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey were unable to come to a formal arrangement when they met last year.

Ms Palaszczuk said the pair would be meeting again in the next couple of weeks.

"I believe we are getting close to a solution," she said.

The Premier said she was exasperated by the drawn out discussions.

"I am sick and tired of the fights that happen between the state government and the federal government at a national level," she said.

"You want to know why people are getting disillusioned and disenchanted with the politics and the two major parties? Because they are sick and tired of the fights."

Mr Fletcher and Mr Bailey were less positive about how close an agreement was.

Through spokesmen both ministers said they had met on a number of occasions and an announcement would be made once an agreement was reached.

"Minister Fletcher has met with Minister Bailey on this matter on multiple occasions," Mr Fletcher's spokesman said.

"He has been joined in these negotiations by (Member for Forde) Bert van Manen and (Member for McPherson) Karen Andrews who have been pressing hard for an outcome."

Mayor Tom Tate said the Premier's message was "very positive".

"The message has been received loud and clear by the federal government and the state government that Gold Coasters want the M1 fixed," he said.

[techblitz]

https://www.tomtom.com/en_gb/trafficindex/list?citySize=LARGE&continent=ALL&country=ALL

year 2016


Sydney       rank 29    +3% on previous

Melbourne   rank 58    +4% on previous

Brisbane     rank 96    +3% on previous

Adelaide     rank 100   +2% on previous

Perth          rank 105  BREAK EVEN on previous 

gold coast,hobart canberra etc under the small cities category.....

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Brisbane traffic: We're on a road to nowhere

QUEENSLAND commuters are spending almost two hours every day travelling to and from work, contributing to billions of dollars in lost productivity.

A survey has found Queenslanders spend nearly as long commuting as their southern counterparts.

The 51-minute travel time in each direction here is little better than the 59 minutes Victorians averaged, or the 57 minutes in NSW.

The RACQ survey of 1435 people, which formed part of the Australian Automobile Association's first ever study into the country's worst commute times, have highlighted calls for speedier infrastructure development to service a burgeoning southeast Queensland population.

For those working in Brisbane, the average commute time was 72 minutes one way, which included people travelling from as far away as the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and, in some cases, even Toowoomba.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland policy adviser Catherine Pham pointed to a 2015 Infrastructure Australia audit that showed delays were costing the southeast Queensland economy about $2 billion every year, with projections suggesting that could quadruple to $9 billion by 2031.

Ms Pham said decentralising employment by helping to nurture businesses in suburban areas was a great way to reduce demand on major infrastructure.

"Having a regional focus to economic growth and creating new jobs within our regional areas will not only lessen the need to commute long hours each day but also achieve the live-work-play, place-making trifecta," she said.

That issue was highlighted by Sunshine Coast residents, who spent an average of four hours on a round trip to and from Brisbane for work, using a combination of cars, buses and trains.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson has been campaigning for the delivery of the 20km Beerburrum-to-Landsborough rail-line duplication, which the State Government has declared "ready for investment", to help deliver better travel times.

"With the business case in place, council believes there should be no impediment to both levels of government now committing the funding," Cr Jamieson said.

The Bruce Highway, suffering from years of heavy use, already has a series of upgrades under way, including widening sections from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane.

The Government's own Bruce Highway Action Plan shows the work was estimated to deliver $3 billion in savings over 30 years, while achieving up to $30 billion in time savings to the economy.

Cr Jamieson said the highway no longer had the capacity to service the demand stemming from years of the corridor sustaining a major freight route and an ever-growing tourism market feeding into the Sunshine Coast.

"Travel times, especially at peak periods, are worsening and we have seen many times that even a minor accident can cause significant delays and issues," he said.

Travel times to Brisbane were almost as bad from the Gold Coast, where residents spent an average of 90 minutes commuting in a journey that should only take one hour.

Logan Mayor Luke Smith has been banging on political doors to get funding for an upgrade that state and federal politicians believe needs to happen.

But so far no one can agree on the funding split, with state politicians arguing the Federal Government should pay for 80 per cent of the costs, while the Federal Government thinks 50 per cent is reasonable.

Cr Smith lamented that the issue continued to be treated like a political football.

"Fixing the M1 is a project of national significance and the voice of the residents between the Gold Coast and Logan City, who are sitting in peak traffic for more than 90 minutes every single day, need to be heard," he said. "Enough is enough."

RACQ spokeswoman Renee Smith backed the call for greater investment in roads and public transport but also suggested workers could ask about more-flexible hours. ...

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Gap between Brisbane tunnel expectations and reality continues to widen

Drivers should be offered discounts to use Brisbane's tunnels in order to halt a widening gap between traffic projections and the number of cars using the network, according to road experts.

Vastly inflated traffic estimates have plagued all three tunnels - Clem7, Airport Link and Legacy Way - and the Go Between Bridge since opening, costing investors millions when two early operators collapsed.

But new figures reveal the shortfall between projected traffic modelling and the number of cars on the road is still growing, with one tunnel - Airport Link - hosting little more than a quarter of the estimated trips a day.

That led to calls for  the network of toll roads to offer more incentives, such as bundling trips that include more than one tunnel or frequent user discounts, to attract more drivers.

Those calls, from multiple quarters, came as updated figures showed the gap continuing to widen between traffic forecasts and the reality of Brisbane's so-called "TransApex" of toll roads. In 2016, the Clem7 tunnel was meant to have 67,053 trips a day, according to Brisbane City Council's "conservative" pre-construction estimations. In reality, the average daily usage was 33,443 – less than half the expected patronage.

The Go Between Bridge between Hale Street and West End was projected to have 18,347 daily users by 2016, but only 13,034 motorists used it daily.

Even Legacy Way's conservative estimation of 31,000 daily trips in 2016 was a long way off, with only 21,044 motorists on average using the tunnel between Toowong and Bowen Hills.

The figure was starkest, however, with the Airport Link tunnel.

The project's original projections by traffic modellers Arup predicted a total of 221,087 vehicles would be driven through at least part of the Airport Link tunnel every day by 2016.

In reality, state government figures showed a little more than a quarter of the expected motorists – 57,500 – used the tunnel every day.
The underperforming patronage saw the operators of both the Clem7 ( RiverCity Motorway) and Airport Link ( Brisconnections) collapse, costing investors millions.

More >> http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/gap-between-brisbane-tunnel-expectations-and-reality-continues-to-widen-20170309-guuj75.html

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Inner City Bypass congestion sees motorists queue on shoulder to exit

TRAFFIC chaos continues to plague the Inner City Bypass as peak-hour motorists are forced to queue in the emergency lane for hundreds of metres along one of the city's busiest corridors.

Traffic volumes on the ICB have noticeably increased since the Legacy Way tunnel was opened in 2015 and the existing roadways appear ill equipped to handle the extra cars.

The Courier Mail has monitored traffic on the ICB for the past week and found queues of cars up to 300m long at the Herston Rd and Abbotsford Rd off-ramps.

Due to the huge backlog of motorists trying to exit the busy motorway, cars are pulling on to the shoulder, creating a potential hazard for other drivers exiting the Legacy Way tunnel.

Brisbane City Council said construction works for the widening of the ICB between Legacy Way and the RNA tunnel would commence this week.

Infrastructure chairwoman Amanda Cooper said the $60 million upgrade will widen the ICB to four lanes in each direction and create a new bus priority measure at the Herston Rd exit.

"The Inner City Bypass is one of the city's busiest corridors carrying more than 100,000 vehicles every day and is operating at near capacity during peak periods," Cr Cooper said.

"The upgrade will stop queuing at the Herston Rd exit which is caused by congestion and the new dedicated bus priority lane will also help tackle congestion and reduce travel times."

The upgrade won't see any changes made to the Abbotsford Rd exit as council insists fewer motorists will need to use it.

"Traffic modelling shows that the upgrade at the Herston exit will result in fewer vehicles using the Abbottsford Road exit," a council spokesman said.

The upgrade, first announced in 2015, will be completed by 2018.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Gap between Brisbane tunnel expectations and reality continues to widen

^ excellent article this, well worth a read!

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Toll discounts may be down the road as Transurban considers 'bundled' fares

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Toowoomba Range second crossing: Aerial drone footage shows progress

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane's next road tunnel at least a decade away

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Plans for the North South Urban Arterial still in limbo

HERALDED as a solution to traffic woes on the Bruce Highway, plans for the North South Urban Arterial seem stuck in limbo.

The North South Urban Arterial would run east of the Bruce Highway and connect Caboolture-Bribie Island Rd and the Gateway Motorway.

It would continue south from Anzac Ave to cross the Pine River with a second bridge.

State Member for Murrumba Chris Whiting said the momentum to complete the first part of the arterial, Diamond Jubilee Way at North Lakes, needed to continue.

"Anyone who lives in our area and drives the Bruce Highway knows why we need the North South Urban Arterial," he said.

"We have a rapidly developing urban area.

"This will reduce travel times on the surrounding road network and keep the Bruce Highway flowing."

In 2015, North Lakes Times published an article about the North South Urban Arterial (NSUA) when work on the final stage of Diamond Jubilee Way began.

When asked for an updated construction timeline, a Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesman repeated details they gave the Times for that report.

"Moreton Bay Regional Council has completed concept planning for the proposed corridor between Anzac Ave and Dohles Rocks Rd," he said.

"Transport and Main Roads will undertake strategic planning for future stages of the NSUA between Anzac Ave and the Gateway Motorway/Deagon Deviation.

"This planning will identify funding estimates and construction time frames."

A Moreton Bay Regional Council spokesman said more detailed planning and consultation was needed to confirm the corridor between Anzac Ave to Dohles Rocks Rd and locations of intersections­ to connect North South Urban Arterial to existing roads.

[red dragin]

It's not an alternative to the highway, it will get local traffic off the highway.

Council has been approving new developments everywhere around North Lakes, the earth moving trucks have destroyed some major local roads and nothing has been spent on repairs let alone upgrades.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Transurban to take over operating Inner City Bypass

Toll road operator Transurban will fund the Inner City Bypass upgrade and take over ongoing maintenance and operation of the road in return for increased tolls on existing Brisbane toll roads.

The agreement between Brisbane City Council and Transurban, subject to state government approval, would see heavy vehicle tolls for the Clem7 and Go Between Bridge increase from 2.65 times the car tolls to three times the car tolls from July 1 next year.

Legacy Way would follow suit on July 1, 2020, at the same time as car tolls for tunnel users also increased.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the agreement would save ratepayers more than $54 million, meaning the ICB upgrade would be delivered with just $3-4 million from the council's budget.

Transurban Queensland general manager Wes Ballantine said the agreement, believed to be the first of its kind in Australia, would not see a toll introduced to the ICB. ...