Half a billion dollars worth of road upgrades on their way

Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
18/03/2010
Half a billion dollars worth of road upgrades on their way

Construction will soon commence on a major upgrade of the southern end of the Gateway Motorway and a new, toll-free Port of Brisbane motorway.

Treasurer Andrew Fraser today announced the first project would be a $240 million, two-lane expansion of the last remaining four-lane stretch of motorway between Brisbane's northside and the Gold Coast.

"This Government is making a total investment of more than $2 billion in duplicating the Gateway Bridge and upgrading the Gateway approaches," Mr Fraser said.

"This is the final piece of a project that delivers an unbroken six-lane stretch of Gateway Motorway from Brisbane's northside to the Gold Coast.

"About 70,000 motorists a day travel through the current four-lane stretch between Mt. Gravatt-Capalaba Road and Miles Platting Road.

"The Bligh Government will deliver a four to six-lane expansion, which will slash travel times through the area, lessen the impact of traffic incidents and provide a safer traffic environment.

"It's expected to be completed by the middle of 2011."

Mr Fraser said the second project, a new extension to the toll-free Port of Brisbane Motorway, would be put out for tender.

"The new Port of Brisbane Motorway will be almost double the length of the existing road, and it will remain toll free," Mr Fraser said.

"The two-lane motorway-standard road will be run from Lindum Road to Pritchard Street and will connect to the existing Port of Brisbane Motorway.

"The new path of the Motorway will bypass the dangerous dog-leg corner on Lytton Road, which has been the scene of several heavy vehicle accidents.

"It will pass through the Lytton Industrial Estate, providing better connections for local businesses and improving safety for all road users by avoiding the sharp turns on Lytton Road.

"The State Government will continue to seek funding from the federal government to provide a four lane upgrad e to the entire motorway from the Gateway Motorway to Pritchard Street, in line with the ultimate plan."

Mr Fraser said in order to facilitate the projects, a new tolling structure for the Queensland Motorways network would be introduced from 1 July 2010.

"To ensure that the upgrades can proceed, we have brought forward the toll increase that was announced last year," Mr Fraser said.

"For one of the cheapest toll roads in Australia, you get an unbroken six-lane stretch of highway from North Brisbane to the Gold Coast.

"For private vehicles there will be an increase from the previously announced toll that will now come into effect on 1 July 2010.

"That will take the Gateway Bridge toll to $3.85 for privately owned vehicles from 1 July.

"No-one likes tolls, but without them we wouldn't be able to maintain the massive investment in this critical piece of road infrastructure - they fund this upgrade.

"It's important to note that crossing the Gateway will remain cheaper than the Clem Jones Tunnel.

"The Gateway also remains, on a per-kilometre basis, one of the cheapest toll roads in Australia.

"This will be the last step-increase in tolls for the existing motorway network. The base tolls will now be set in legislation and future toll increases on the existing network will be capped at annual CPI rates. This will remain the case after the sale of the tolling franchise in 2011."

Mr Fraser said the new tolling structure would align it with the Clem 7 tunnel, Airport Link and other toll roads in Victoria.

"The introduction of a fairer tolling structure will take into account the type of vehicle, what the vehicle is used for, and its impact on the road surface.

"This is about ensuring that average mum and dad motorists are not subsidising trucks and other commercial vehicles.

"Studies have estimated that for every 20 per cent heavier a vehicle gets, we ar on the road surface is doubled. That's why heavier commercial vehicles that cause significantly more wear to the road surface will now pay more than privately-owned family vehicles."

The toll prices from 1 July 2010 can be viewed at www.qldmotorways.com.au.

Permanent Link: Half a billion dollars worth of road upgrades on their way
Publish Date: 18 Mar 10