Queensland Government initiates first stage of Ipswich Motorway upgrade

TIN news:  The Government of Queensland in Australia has awarded the first stage of Ipswich Motorway upgrade between Rocklea to Darra to Brisbane-based Bielby Hull Albem Joint Venture firm.

The A$400m ($300m) Ipswich Motorway upgrade project is expected to ease traffic congestion, as well as improve travel time for nearly 85,000 motorists who use the motorway daily.  

The upgrade project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, with each providing A$200m ($150m). 

Construction works will begin later this year and are expected to be completed in 2020.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said: “I’m pleased to announce Stage 1 of the Ipswich Motorway upgrade between Rocklea and Darra is one step closer to construction. 

“The Ipswich Motorway is currently a major source of frustration for more than 85,000 motorists who use this section of the motorway daily, including up to 12,000 trucks.

“This project will not only improve safety and travel times for motorists, it will support 470 direct jobs, which is great news for local workers and business.”

The Rocklea to Darra Stage 1 section of Ipswich Motorway experiences heavy traffic and has led to freight delays, as well as increasing pressure on the freight network.

Australia Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher said: “This major infrastructure project will upgrade the Ipswich Motorway from four to six lanes along a 3km stretch between Rocklea and Oxley and delivers on a commitment made by the federal government.

"The commercial vehicles and local commuters who travel this road on a daily basis will experience improved travel times and motorway capacity into the industrial heart of Brisbane."