Minister for Main Roads
The Honourable Craig Wallace

Friday, June 26, 2009

Final preparations for new Gateway Motorway north of Bridge

Motorists accessing the Gateway Bridge southbound will experience changed traffic conditions this Sunday (28 June) in preparation for the upcoming opening of Brisbane’s newest section of Motorway north of the Gateway Bridge.

Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said the new 7km section of Motorway would provide a more direct route north of the Brisbane River, improving travel between the Gateway Bridge and Nudgee Road.

“Part of our $1.88 billion Gateway Upgrade Project, the new Motorway will help alleviate traffic congestion on the existing Gateway Motorway between Kingsford Smith Drive and Toombul Road and offer better access to Eagle Farm and Pinkenba areas via a new northbound off-ramp to Kingsford Smith Drive,” Mr Wallace said.

“Opening of the new motorway in mid-July is part of the staged construction of the project, with further benefits to be realised when the new Airport Interchange is opened in late 2009 upon completion of the new Brisbane Airport access road.

“When the new Gateway Bridge opens in mid-2010 and the existing Bridge is refurbished by early 2011, motorists will experience the full benefits of improved travel between the Gateway bridges, Brisbane Airport and just south of Nudgee Road.”

In preparation for the opening of the new Motorway, this weekend southbound traffic accessing the Gateway Bridge near Links Avenue, Eagle Farm will be switched on to a new underpass and cross-over that connects to the existing Gateway Bridge.

The changes, including a 60km/h speed limit will be in effect for approximately three weeks while the Gateway Upgrade Project Team completes the final works required to tie-in the new Motorway with the existing Gateway Bridge and Gateway Motorway.

Mr Wallace said sections of the Gateway Upgrade Project were being opened as they were completed.

“Progressive delivery minimises construction impacts and improves traffic flows earlier, meaning motorists experience the benefits of the upgrade sooner,” he said. “Motorists are reminded to slow down, take care and follow directions provided by signage around the road works.”

The Gateway Upgrade Project is a Bligh Government initiative being delivered by Queensland Motorways with design and construction by the Leighton Abigroup Joint Venture. The project also involves duplication of the Gateway Bridge by mid-2010 and 12km of upgrades to the Gateway Motorway on the southside by early 2010.

Media contact: Minister’s office 3896 3689

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