Roads - articles and discussion

[verbatim9]

^^I wonder what happened to the promised Skygate Glider via (North Shore Hamilton) by the Quirk Administration that was meant to start coinciding with the opening of KSD?

[verbatim9]

That's not quite how road widening works.

(Heads up, F Bomb dropped once early in the video).

Trying to cure traffic congestion by adding more capacity is like trying to cure obesity by loosening your belt...

The fact the extra lanes on KSD aren't bus lanes is a disgrace.

Despite no bus lanes at least buses won't be delayed due to previously being stuck in traffic along that section.

For a couple of years, maybe. Then it'll be back to business as usual. I reckon it'd be great to have a 305 BUZ/300 with bus lanes along KSD, pax could watch all the stopped traffic while the bus overtakes.

To be honest this stretch of road did need upgrading forr non and  autonomous vehicles.

[Cazza]

Interesting video. Definitely some things Brisbane can take away from. Removing number of cars in the CBD by encouraging other modes of commuting (e.g. narrowing number of road lanes and more space for bikes/pedestrians). Food for thought

[verbatim9]

Burpengary motorists can expect traffic pain in coming months with work underway to improve the Deception Bay interchange. But it should eventually be worth it, all part of the Bruce Highway's major upgrade. http://7news.com.au

@EmArnold_7
#qldtraffic #7NEWS



https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1326803888695992320

[verbatim9]

Indooroopilly roundabout redevelopment with new Active.Transpirt improvements

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Thousands of new William Jolly drivers spark calls for toll bridge discount

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ShannonMM9/status/1371677839326507010

[OzGamer]

As a local resident I am not a fan at all of the idea of building another bridge. The minister (or his staffer probably) suggested there would be no change to Oxley Road or Honour Avenue with the new bridge, but where would it go then?

Just the car-centred way of making every single part of Brisbane overrun with traffic sewers, even when there's a fantastic train line going right through the area.

[Cazza]

And bus priority can be so easily improved without going to the expense of building a second bridge-
-For N/B services using Oxley Rd and Wharf St, just make Bridge St bus only W/B from under the rail bridge to Honour Ave, then allow buses to turn right connecting to the bus lane listed below;
- For N/B services using Honour Ave, have a bus lane running northbound from around Chelmer Station or so to just before the lights at Regatta St (just before the bridge). The is so much space to do so and will improve the GCL's (and whatever other routes will use this road in the future, including all those buses coming out of Sherwood depot towards Indro).

As you've said OzGamer, there is literally a quad track train line running right next to it . How about they squeeze more capacity out of that before even think about creating an even more car reliant society?

[verbatim9]

https://twitter.com/ShannonMM9/status/1371677839326507010

There is an opportunity to put in a submission.

Points to be raised.

Relocation and rebuild.of Indooroopilly Station in conjunction with this project.

Widening of the overpass bridge to include a pull in bus stop suitable for Artics as well. This would enhance the interchange from bus to train and train to bus capabilities.

Halting the DA for Bunnings extension until we have further ideas on what is happening with the new bridge, and Indooroopilly Station.

Segregated cycling opportunities from the soon to be redeveloped Indooroopilly roundabout to new riiver walk Bikeway and existing Bikeway river crossing at Indooroopilly on the Brisbane River,  via Coonan Street.

A new TOD opportunity at the current Bunnings which could include a new mega Bunnings as planned and other retail opportunities like a Woolies Metro and space for e-parcel lockers such as Amazon, EBay, Coles, Woolworths and Australia Post. A mid rise residential tower could also be included?

[Cazza]

I'm still yet to understand why you are so set on Bunnings being a TOD. I am yet to hear anyone say "oh honey, I'm just catching the train down to Bunnings to pick up a drop saw and 20kgs of mulch"...

Sure, by all means, a TOD for Indooroopilly would be perfect, but having Bunnings as the main draw card, it's just a missed opportunity. Get Coles or Woolworths as the anchor tenant with residential built above. Then you've got my vote. You'll have people jump off the train at Indro, get whatever groceries they need for dinner or lunch the next day, then catch the feeder bus home. That would work well.

But with a Bunnings, it really doesn't make much sense.

[timh]

I'm still yet to understand why you are so set on Bunnings being a TOD. I am yet to hear anyone say "oh honey, I'm just catching the train down to Bunnings to pick up a drop saw and 20kgs of mulch"...

Sure, by all means, a TOD for Indooroopilly would be perfect, but having Bunnings as the main draw card, it's just a missed opportunity. Get Coles or Woolworths as the anchor tenant with residential built above. Then you've got my vote. You'll have people jump off the train at Indro, get whatever groceries they need for dinner or lunch the next day, then catch the feeder bus home. That would work well.

But with a Bunnings, it really doesn't make much sense.

100% agree with this. Bunnings and other big box stores are totally inappropriate tenants for a TOD

Sent from my SM-G780F using Tapatalk

[achiruel]

A small-format Bunnings might be ok for a TOD, one that sells small things like hand tools, light bulbs, picture hooks, fasteners - things that could be easily carried in a bag or backpack. One carrying PVC pipe and timber clearly wouldn't be.

[JimmyP]

It's also debatable that either Woolies or Coles would be interested in opening a store where Bunnings currently is, considering both have a full service store a couple hundred metres up the road at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre.

[Arnz]

In my opinion, there may be a slim chance of the smaller 'Woolies Metro' opening, but a full service Woolworths or Coles is extremely unlikely due to the large shopping centre up the road.

[Cazza]

^ and ^^.

There are actually quite a few examples of this happening, sometimes where supermarkets on the outside will cater to those less inclined to enter a busy shopping centre (mainly for quick and easy trips without the need to spend 15 mins faffing about in a Westfield* car park) and those in the big centres themselves to provide a shopping opportunity for those already getting stuff from other centre retailers.
*Yes, I am aware Indro isn't a Westfield.

Some examples include:
- Woolworths Burwood Plaza and Burwood in Sydney are about 300m apart (https://www.google.com.au/maps/search/woolworths/@-33.8763267,151.1015276,870m/data=!3m1!1e3)
- Woolworths Neutral Bay/Neutral Bay Village are about 200m apart (https://www.google.com.au/maps/search/woolworths/@-33.8314613,151.2218382,573m/data=!3m1!1e3)
- Woolworths Parramatta/Parramatta Station (one being a Metro) are about 400m apart (https://www.google.com.au/maps/search/woolworths/@-33.8175815,151.0028947,395m/data=!3m1!1e3)
- Woolworths Eastgardens/Hillsdale/Matraville all within about 1.5kms of one another (https://www.google.com.au/maps/search/woolworths/@-33.9520147,151.2255207,2163m/data=!3m1!1e3)
- Woolworths Surfers Paradise/Surfers (Circle on Cavill) are about 200m apart (https://www.google.com.au/maps/search/woolworths/@-28.0016517,153.4274191,412m/data=!3m1!1e3)
- And finally up here in Brisbane, Woolworths Sunnybank Hills/Calamvale North are about 500m apart (https://www.google.com.au/maps/search/woolworths/@-27.611117,153.0535482,537m/data=!3m1!1e3)

So it does actually happen more often than not, and these are the ones I know off the top of my head. If a supermarket were to go in here, it would be logical for a Metro/Local setup to cater for this in-and-out market (especially for uni students before/after they get a bus to/from Indro Station and UQ).

[achiruel]

Another example would be Coles Garden City & The Village which are ~600m apart.

[JimmyP]

Well there you go! I didn't know there there so many like that. But yes, definitely would only be a 'metro' style store if one went in.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Fewer than 1000 residents take up council offer for Go Between toll credit

Fewer than 1000 residents have been granted a toll credit for Brisbane's Go Between Bridge since the scheme opened in January to help some of those south of the CBD after a shake-up of inner-city river crossings. ...

[verbatim9]

Queenslanders could soon have a little more space in their wallets. Digital driver's licences will be rolled out across the state but not everyone's convinced they're a smart option. https://youtu.be/s_XMuQphS2Y
@annamcgraw_7
#7NEWS

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1380442489421631488

^^Soon to be launched Digital Licence App

[Jonno]

A small-format Bunnings might be ok for a TOD, one that sells small things like hand tools, light bulbs, picture hooks, fasteners - things that could be easily carried in a bag or backpack. One carrying PVC pipe and timber clearly wouldn't be.

Bunnings wiped out all the small-format hardware stores???

[verbatim9]

I know that they are closing the Toombul small format store as well, but there is an application to make the Indooroopilly store into a full size Bunnings. As I have stated before it would be good if Council delays approval of the redevelopment until the new bridge, train station and active transport corridors are finalised. A new Indooroopilly station could be cost neutral if air rights are sold above for a TOD mixed use with a full sized Bunnings. Coonan Street really needs a segregated bikeway from the Walter Taylor Bridge to join up with the soon to be redeveloped Coonan Street and Moggill road overpass. It would join the missing link for safe cycling in the area.

[timh]

TOD mixed use with a full sized Bunnings

I really think these two things are mutually exclusive...

[verbatim9]

A 20 storey TOD can include apartments, office space, retail with a couple of anchor tenants. (Bunnings, Woolies Metro) A late night hawker style eatery would work well there, similar to Eight Street that could cater for meal deliveries as well.

[timh]

Look I agree with everything you just said there, except for the bit about Bunnings. We've spoken about this before, I really think a store like Bunnings with a massive footprint, where most customers are buying large, bulky items, is not appropriate for a TOD.

Sent from my SM-G780F using Tapatalk

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2021/211-2021.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 211
Asked on 10 March 2021

MR M BERKMAN ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS
(HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to the Director-General's response during Budget Estimates hearings on
11 December 2020 that the Department of Transport and Main Roads will not support priority bus
lanes on the Centenary Motorway following completion of the Centenary Motorway planning
study—

Will the Minister advise (a) what is the basis for this decision by the department, (b) what specific
plans other than priority bus lanes, if any, is the department progressing to improve public
transport along this corridor and (c) what is the government's plan to cut congestion on the
Centenary Motorway, particularly for travel to and from suburbs in the electorate of Maiwar?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Maiwar for the question.

a) An additional general-purpose traffic lane will deliver travel time benefits for all road users,
including public transport passengers. Currently, the number of express pre-paid services
delivered in this area is low and does not support the need for dedicated bus lanes.
Installing a dedicated bus lane on the Centenary Motorway will exacerbate congestion on
the motorway by reducing the number of lanes for traffic to flow through and it presents
major challenges in terms of enforcement as it is difficult for the police to undertake
enforcement on a constrained, high-volume and high-speed environment.

b) The first stage of the proposed Centenary Motorway Upgrade is the Centenary Bridge
Upgrade, which includes a new three-lane northbound bridge, reconfiguration of the
existing bridge to provide three lanes southbound and improved active transport facilities.
The Centenary Bridge Upgrade will provide increased efficiency for all modes of transport,
including buses, travelling on the Centenary Motorway across the Centenary Bridge.
The Palaszczuk Government has committed $132 million for the design and construction
of a new northbound bridge, over the Brisbane River at Jindalee and refurbishment of the
existing bridges. With the Australian Government's commitment of $112 million, the project
is fully funded, and construction is expected to commence in early-2022 and will take
approximately four years to complete.

The Palaszczuk Government is modernising transport and is rolling out a new system where
commuters will be able to use their contactless debit or credit cards, smart phones and
smart watches to pay for trips in addition to go card and paper tickets. Smart ticketing is a
$371 million investment to modernise and integrate ticketing across South East
Queensland. Customers will also be able to manage and personalise their transit account
options more effectively through an improved app and website that integrates payment,
ticketing and journey planning options, underpinned by real-time information.

c) The Centenary Motorway is currently one of the most congested motorways in Brisbane. It
provides the primary link between Brisbane's high-growth Western Corridor, the inner
western and northern suburbs, and the Central Business District.
The planning study for the Centenary Motorway Upgrade was finalised in March 2019. The
study provides a comprehensive understanding of the function of the motorway and has
investigated improvements to ensure it meets the region's future multi-modal transport
needs. The study proposed a staged delivery between Frederick Street, Toowong and
Sumners Road, Darra.

The Australian Government has committed $10 million from the Major Project Business
Case Fund to further develop a project (or projects) to upgrade the Centenary Motorway.
The business case will develop a cost estimate and assess the economic viability and risk
of any upgrade. Completed or current improvements to the Centenary Motorway include:

. six-laning the Centenary Motorway between Toowong and Moggill Road at
Indooroopilly, connecting with the Legacy Way Tunnel (completed in June 2015)

. opening the Moggill Road Cycle Bridge between Russell Terrace and Witton Road,
linking the Centenary Motorway and Western Freeway Bikeways (completed in
November 2015)

. the $80 million Sumners Road Interchange Upgrade at Jamboree Heights, which is
almost complete and supported 105 jobs over the life of the project, including grade
separation of the Centenary Motorway Bikeway and vehicle traffic.

. $244 million jointly funded by the Queensland and Australian governments for the
Centenary Bridge Upgrade in Jindalee, forecast to begin construction in 2022.

The Palaszczuk Government continues to invest in public transport improvements across
Queensland to meet future growth demand, including upgrades to stations and facilities, park 'n'
rides, bus stops and interchanges. Once completed, Cross River Rail will also help unlock extra
rail capacity and deliver the essential infrastructure that can support high frequency services
across the transport network.

The Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) 2020–21 to 2023–24
represents a record investment in road and transport infrastructure for the fifth year in a row, with
$26.9 billion in works committed over the next four years, supporting an average of approximately
23,600 direct jobs over the life of the program. Of this, approximately $3.65 billion is committed
across the Department of Transport and Main Roads' Metropolitan District, which is estimated to
support an average of 3100 direct jobs over the life of the program.

With the pandemic impacting Queensland businesses and communities, significant road
upgrades will be delivered to help stimulate the economy as part of Unite and Recover:
Queensland's Economic Recovery Plan. These upgrades provide immediate economic record
benefits, support more jobs and deliver ongoing benefits of vital infrastructure for years to come.

The QTRIP 2020–21 to 2023–24 includes continued delivery of the $12.6 billion, 15-year jointly
funded program to upgrade the Bruce Highway, the continued delivery of more than $3.4 billion
in upgrades on the M1 Pacific Motorway, the commencement of the $1.53 billion Coomera
Connector (Stage 1) project between Nerang and Coomera, over $1 billion for dedicated and
targeted initiatives to bolster the Queensland Government's commitment to road safety, the
$709.9 million Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 project, and a $1 billion new pipeline of rail projects
that includes making trains again in Queensland.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Maintenance backlog for state-controlled roads reaches $5.85b $

The cost of required maintenance on Queensland's state controlled roads has climbed by more than $400m in just one year, with dozens of bridges and culverts on structure safety plans.

The estimated cost of the deferred maintenance backlog for state roads reached a massive $5.85bn as of June 30 last year – up 8 per cent from the previous financial year.

The opposition has seized on the figures to accuse the government of losing control of road maintenance.

But the government insists the total length of the network that needs programmed maintenance or rehabilitation works fell by 204km during 2019-20.

As of the end of the last financial year, there were 60 bridges and 54 major culverts with certified structure management plans to ensure their "continued safe operation". ...

... LNP transport spokesman Steve Minnikin claimed the government had "completely lost control of road maintenance".

"While Labor's Big Black Hole (Cross River Rail) sucks up all the cash, road users across the state are left to deal with more potholes, more dodgy bridges and more dangerous roads," he said.

"The Labor Government was warned by the Auditor-General three years ago that there were serious problems with Queensland's roads."

The government says that since 2016, the total length of the state controlled road network that requires rehabilitation or resurfacing has fallen by 847km.

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/91879

New Sumners Road Interchange busting congestion six months early

14th April 2021

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

The Palaszczuk Government has completed its $80 million overhaul of one of Brisbane's busiest interchanges six months ahead of schedule, tackling congestion and supporting jobs through COVID-19.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Sumners Road Interchange on the Centenary Motorway, which features two new bridges, six lanes and the removal of two notorious roundabouts, would make life better for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, residents and businesses.

"More than 35,000 people use this stretch of road every day, and more capacity on the interchange will make a world of difference for families in Jamboree Heights, Sumner, Sinnamon Park and Darra," the Premier said.

"Projects like Sumners Road, the $400 million Ipswich Road Rocklea-to-Darra upgrade and the $244 million Centenary Bridge duplication, as well as $17.8 billion for regional roads and transport, are providing the infrastructure needed for our growing state and creating thousands of jobs.

"Overall we're investing a record $26.9 billion over four years for better roads and transport as part our economic plan and ongoing response to COVID, at a time when Queensland is expected to lead the nation in population growth.

"I'm also very pleased to announce the project will be officially named the Len Waters Overpass, in honour of the first known Aboriginal person to serve as an RAAF fighter pilot in World War Two.

"Len raised his family in this area after the war, and his wife Gladys still lives nearby in Middle Park. It's a fitting tribute and a mark of pride in the local community, especially in the lead up to Anzac Day."

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the Sumners Road upgrade had supported 105 jobs during construction, with several local businesses also contracted to provide the 17,000 tonnes of asphalt, 6000 tonnes of concrete and 36 girders needed.

"Thanks to the advocacy of local MP Jess Pugh and her community, our government committed to building this upgrade after LNP ministers including David Crisafulli cut the project when they were in government," Mr Bailey said.

"We replaced the two roundabouts with signalised intersections, demolished the old two-lane bridge and built two new bridges, providing six traffic lanes in total to accommodate the high volume of traffic."

Mr Bailey said the project also featured a new grade-separated bike track, providing the missing link to the existing Centenary Bikeway and removing the 500m dog-leg detour.

"It's a great example of how major road projects are benefitting not just drivers, but also bike riders and pedestrians."

Member for Mount Ommaney Jess Pugh said she was excited to see the project delivered for the community, and grateful for their ongoing patience during construction.

"Thank you to all locals and the surrounding businesses who lobbied me for this upgrade. Now the interchange is completed, we are seeing much quicker commute times across the entire intersection making businesses easier and getting home quicker and safer," Ms Pugh said.

"I'm also thrilled to be able deliver a project of this magnitude and pleased to name the new overpass in honour of Australia's first indigenous fighter pilot in World War II and local identity, Len Waters.

"Len fought courageously for Australia, becoming an elite pilot of a Kittyhawk and receiving six medals for his dedicated war service – and it's a privilege to be able to name this bridge in his honour.

Mr Waters was born in 1924 and enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force at the age of 18, where he rose through the ranks from aircraft mechanic to a Sergeant pilot in less than two years.

Four weeks after his discharge from the Air Force, Mr Waters married his wife Gladys, with whom he raised six children.

"Prior to his passing in 1993, Len spent many years raising his family in Inala and his family now live right here in 4074," Ms Pugh said.

"I'm delighted to have the support of his wife and six children, as well as local Traditional Owners and the RSL, so that Len Waters' name and legacy will live on for all those who pass through here to see."

Space4Cycling Brisbane's Chris Cox said the Sumners Road underpass is the most exciting upgrade to the Centenary Cycleway in years.

"Avoiding the detour will save minutes off a trip into the CBD, while the new shared path and bike lanes across the Centenary Motorway connect Darra and Jamboree Heights. This project empowers more people of all ages and abilities to get on their bikes, and leave their cars at home," Mr Cox said.

For more information visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au

ENDS

====

" Busting congestion "  DRINK! 

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1383794591673896963

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/QueenslandWalks/status/1384266743854505989

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/91971

$400m Ipswich Motorway upgrade complete
27th April 2021

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

After 1.5 million work hours, the Ipswich Motorway upgrade is complete.

The $400 million project widened a three-kilometre section of the Ipswich Motorway between Granard Road and Oxley Road from four to six lanes.

Seven new bridges were built over the Oxley Creek floodplain, while a network of new roads and bike paths has transformed local connections either side of the motorway.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk officially opened the project today and said the completion of the upgrade was a day to celebrate.

"I've lived in the south-west corridor for most of my life, so I've driven this road many times," the Premier said.

"Thousands of families and businesses rely on this road every single day, so starting this project was one of the first priorities of my government when we were elected in 2015.

"We've worked closely with the Morrison Government to get the job done, and I've been pleased to see many other congestion busting projects start across Queensland thanks to that good working relationship.

"These projects create important jobs and opportunities too.

"Almost 500 people were employed on this project over the past four years, and that's why my government is delivering a record investment in roads and transport projects across the state."

Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the joint $400 million investment by the Australian and Queensland governments would help to bust congestion and improve safety for local commuters.

"Today's opening of the upgraded Ipswich Motorway is great news for the more than 85,000 vehicles using this stretch of road every day," Minister Fletcher said.

"This has been a significant project that has required an exceptional amount of planning and logistics carried out over the last four years, all while keeping the traffic flowing.

"Importantly, these upgrades will provide a range of benefits for the local community for years to come, including improved safety, travel times and traffic flow, and flood immunity."

"This is great news for drivers, with improvements already evident in safety, access and traffic flow. Where once drivers were frustrated as they travelled the 3km between Rocklea and Darra, they now have two extra lanes, upgraded intersections and seven new, higher bridges over the Oxley Creek floodplain.

"This means improved travel times, improved safety and improved flood immunity – all things I know this community have called for and will appreciate."

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey praised contractors for delivering the upgrade around one of the state's busiest motorways.

"More than 85,000 vehicles pass through there every day, and around it is a busy commercial precinct that sits on a well-known floodplain, so building conditions don't come much more challenging than that," he said.

"The team has done an excellent job of keeping traffic flowing while they transformed the road network around there, not just for cars and trucks, but also locals who want to walk or ride their bike.

"The new 1.5km Boundary Road Connection has formed the missing link across the Oxley Creek floodplain through to Blunder Road intersection too, so we're able to take some of that local traffic off the motorway, which is a fantastic outcome."

The $400 million Ipswich Motorway Upgrade: Rocklea to Darra - Stage 1 project was jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on a 50:50 basis and delivered by local Queensland contractor Bielby Hull Albem Joint Venture.

The project included:

A four to six lane upgrade between Granard Road and Oxley Road
Seven new and higher bridges over the Oxley Creek floodplain to improve flood immunity and local connectivity
A new 1.5km Boundary Road Connection missing link across the Oxley Creek floodplain through to Blunder Road intersection, including a new signalised intersection at Factory and Boundary Roads, Oxley
A new northern service road connection over Oxley Creek floodplain
New traffic signals at an upgraded intersection of Suscatand Street and the existing service road.
New one-way left-turn only connection from Granard Road to Ipswich Road service road, Rocklea
Over 6.5kms of active transport paths
For more information on the project, go to https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/Ipswich-Motorway-Rocklea-to-Darra-Stage-1-Granard-Road-to-Oxley-Road

ENDS

====

The choke point Darra West - Oxley remains.

[Cazza]

Yay, let's just get more cars using an inefficient means of transport when there is an under-utilised quad track rail line in a somewhat parallel alignment. Sure, the safety improvements are great. But at the end of the day, the best way to improve the safety of our roads is to stop people from using them by providing more convenient, alternative forms of transport! It isn't rocket science...

Just think of how many bus/rail services could be funded and improved with $400 million

[verbatim9]

Guardian Australia---> Electric trucks to freight goods between Brisbane and Sydney.

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/92114

Northside congestion busted as Everton Park Link Road opens
17th May 2021

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

A new link road through Everton Park's retail hub has opened to traffic as the Palaszczuk Government continues to roll out new projects on Brisbane's northside.

Opened six months ahead of schedule, the Everton Park Link Road provides a direct route between Stafford Road and South Pine Road.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said new link road would improve congestion and safety around the busy shopping strip.

"This project was first talked about more than a decade ago but then shelved by the Newman Government when it was in power," Mr Bailey said.

"The Palaszczuk Government put it back on the agenda, so we're pleased to provide a new link that should take some pressure off the busy South Pine Road and Stafford Road intersection just north of there."

Mr Bailey said the project was one of several road upgrades supporting jobs now and busting congestion on some of the northside's busiest roads into the future.

"The works in Everton Park Link Road supported about 60 jobs last year, at a time when they were needed most," Mr Bailey said.

"North of there, we've started works on the $30 million Petrie Roundabout upgrade, as well building the new $30 million diverting diamond interchange at Strathpine.

"There's another 125 jobs being supported on those projects and just as they start to take shape, we'll be close to starting on building new bridges for the much larger Linkfield Overpass upgrade."

"The Palaszczuk Government is delivering a $26.9 billion transport and roads investment program across Queensland in the next four years that will support more than 23,500 jobs, and these northside projects are an important part of that congestion busting program."

The new Everton Link Park Road will redistribute traffic turning left from Stafford Road into South Pine Road, and right-turning traffic from South Pine Road into Stafford Road.

It will provide more traffic light green time for northbound traffic on South Pine Road during the peak period too.

Accessibility for pedestrians around the shopping precincts has been improved with wider footpaths and an additional crossing at the Everton Park Link Road intersection.

Bike riders will also benefit from dedicated facilities including a direct link to the Kedron Brook Bikeway.

Construction of the Everton Park Link Road began in May 2020, supporting an average of 60 direct jobs over the life of the project.

For further information, go to www.tmr.qld.gov.au and search for 'Everton Park Link Road'.

ENDS

====

" ... congestion busted ... "  < Drink!

[achiruel]

^ Yet another traffic-inducing road project! 

" ... congestion busted ... "  < Drink!

Hear, hear!

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Peak hour pain is back after COVID reprieve $

Peak hour has returned and some Brisbane roads are at record traffic levels after being empty during the height of COVID, exclusive data from Transurban shows.

Southeast Queensland risks worse congestion than Sydney and Melbourne if significant road and rail commitments are not made soon, an exclusive new report reveals.

Peak hour has returned and some Brisbane roads are at record traffic levels after disappearing completely during the height of COVID, exclusive data from Transurban shows.

By 2041, SEQ's population will rapidly expand to exceed 5m people, surpassing Sydney today, with Greater Brisbane alone set to grow by 38 per cent over the next 20 years to reach 3.6m people. ...

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2021/2021_05_27_DAILY.pdf

Ministerial Statements

Road and Transport Infrastructure

Hon. MC BAILEY (Miller—ALP) (Minister for Transport and Main Roads) (9.54 am): Queensland
is the place to be. Eighty-eight per cent of net migration in Australia in the next four years is heading
our way. A Deloitte Access Economics report has forecast South-East Queensland's population to
surpass five million people by 2041. Two-thirds of the region's growth will be in areas like Logan,
Moreton Bay, Ipswich, the Redlands and, of course, the Gold and Sunshine coasts. We know that
Queensland is the place to be because the Palaszczuk Labor government is rolling out record
investments in major infrastructure to keep it that way. That investment is targeting congestion and
building better road and transport connections where communities are growing.

In Logan, we partnered with industry to bust congestion at Wembley Road with the Logan
Enhancement Project; we are progressing upgrades on the Mount Lindesay Highway; we delivered the
M1 upgrade of the Gateway merge; and we are also upgrading the M1 between Eight Mile Plains and
Daisy Hill, as anyone who takes that road can see. On the Gold Coast the $1 billion Varsity Lakes to
Tugun M1 upgrade is powering ahead. This year we will start building the light rail to Burleigh. We will
also build three new Gold Coast train stations for Cross River Rail and we are expanding
key park-andrides in stations like Varsity Lakes and Coomera.

In Moreton Bay work is underway on the $164 million Deception Bay interchange upgrade, along
with the $662 million project to build six lanes on the Bruce Highway from the Bribie Island exit to Steve
Irwin Way on the way to the Sunshine Coast. There is $2.1 billion locked in to transform the connection
of the Gateway Motorway and the Bruce Highway, including building the new Moreton Connector. Five
Bruce Highway upgrades worth more than $3 billion and supporting more than 2,000 jobs are now
underway between Brisbane and Gympie. On the Sunshine Coast, where we have two new fantastic
members, the member for Nicklin and the member for Caloundra, work will start later this year on the
Beerburrum to Beerwah rail duplication and Labor's investment in Bells Creek Arterial Road will give
growing communities south of Caloundra better road connections.

Other projects recently completed or underway include out in the Redlands the $110 million
Cleveland Redland Bay Road upgrade; the $400 million Ipswich Motorway upgrade just completed; the
Sumner Road interchange and Everton Park Link Road—cut by the previous government, completed
by this government; the Strathpine interchange; the Petrie roundabout upgrade; and also the Centenary
Bridge duplication to come. These projects are busting congestion and making our roads safer.
Tomorrow is Fatality Free Friday, a day to focus on safety and our collective responsibility as
road users. Labor has a $1 billion road safety program to make roads safer, educate drivers and reduce
trauma, but everyone who uses our roads must play their part in doing so. Tragically, 102 people have
lost their lives on Queensland roads this year. Behind that number are profound personal stories of
hundreds more Queenslanders mourning the loss of loved ones and learning to live with life-changing
injuries. As we head towards the weekend I sincerely urge every Queenslander to make road safety
their No. 1 priority.

====

[Cazza]

Hey Mr Bailey,

Adding more road lanes to fix congestion is like loosening a belt to fix obesity. We know that and we know you do too. So why waste all this money into projects that are not only redundant, but continuing to fuel a wildfire?

The cheapest and most effective way to improve road safety is to stop people driving and get them onto public or active transport. By funding all these road projects, you are encouraging and endorsing driving. Not only does this continue the car dominated society we live, but it also goes against what you are trying to do- improve road safety. These decisions are completely illogical and delusional.

If you're going to take the public for a ride, you could at least make it a f$cking train ride. That way, it won't be continuing to deteriorate our way of life and just burn money on projects helping your political agenda. We need to be looking to the Netherlands and parts of Europe for transport solutions, not the desolate wasteland know as the "United" States of America.

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/92210

Congestion-busting Gold Coast intersection upgrade finished early
28th May 2021

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Work to upgrade one of the Gold Coast's busiest intersections at Harbour Town has finished two months ahead of schedule.

The upgrade at the Gold Coast Highway intersection with Hope Island Road (Oxley Drive) and Labrador-Carrara Road (Olsen Avenue) was jointly funded by the Federal Government and Queensland Government.

The project included additional right-turn lanes in both directions of the Gold Coast Highway and longer right-turn lanes on all four arms of the intersection to improve traffic flow and provide greater capacity.

Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the $10.68 million project would help bust congestion and improve safety for Gold Coast commuters.

"The Harbour Town intersection upgrade is one of many critical infrastructure projects to receive funding from the Morrison Government as part of its record $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline," Minister Fletcher said.

"By busting congestion along critical sections of roads like this one, we're helping people to get home to their families sooner and safer, we're helping freight move more quickly between our cities, and we're generating jobs across the country.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister, the Hon Mark Bailey said the completed project was welcome news as time stuck in traffic was time better spent with family and friends.

"On top of lost social time, congestion drains our economy through lost productivity, which is why the Palaszczuk Government is backing a record investment in congestion-busting projects to support Queensland's economic recovery," Minister Bailey said.

"Thousands of Gold Coast drivers who travel through this intersection each day will now spend less time sitting in traffic."

Federal Member for Fadden, the Hon Stuart Robert MP, said the additional capacity introduced to right turning lanes had improved traffic flow and reduced the potential for traffic accidents.

"This is one of the Gold Coast's busiest intersections and this new layout will mean no more waiting three light changes to get into Harbour Town," Mr Robert said

"The new bike lanes will improve cycling and pedestrian connectivity along Brisbane Road and improve connectivity within the broader active transport network on the Gold Coast."

The project was jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $5 million and the Queensland Government $5.68 million.

For up-to-date road condition information, call 13 19 40, visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or download the QldTraffic app.

====

" Congestion busting " <

[SurfRail]

^ At least it included making bus access to and from the Harbour Town interchange easier.  Even that kind of tokenism can't be seen in most other projects.