A major traffic switch is now in effect for drivers along the Ipswich Motorway in Queensland, which is undergoing a $400 million upgrade.
Around 85,000 daily motorists will shift onto raised, wider lanes. This will enable the old westbound bridges to be demolished.
The final upgrade will see the motorway widened from four to six lanes between Granard Road, Rocklea and east of Oxley Road interchange.
Queensland Premier and Member for Inala Annastacia Palaszczuk said the $400 million project, was not only supporting more than 470 local jobs but is making the Ipswich Motorway more flood resilient.
“As a local I’ve seen how devastating floods can be for our community, and the impacts on the Ipswich Motorway,” Ms. Palaszczuk said.
“What this traffic switch means is attention can now turn to building the new higher westbound lanes and bridges over Oxley Creek.”
Once completed the upgrade is hoped to reduce travel times and increase reliability for the transport of vital goods and services during economic growth for the region.
Member for Mt Ommaney Jess Pugh said in the 2011 floods, the old bridges were submerged leading to the motorway being closed.
“This is a huge win for our community, with new bridges to be two metres higher than the old ones,” Ms. Pugh said.
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