Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced more than $100 million worth of congestion busting infrastructure projects around Brisbane, ahead of the upcoming Federal Election.
The Prime Minister said $33 million of the $1 billion Urban Congestion Fund would be put to work upgrading roads and fixing trouble spots in East Brisbane.
“Throughout Queensland and Australia we are building roads and tackling trouble spots so you can get home sooner and safer,” he said.
An additional $80 million will be put towards seven congestion busting projects across Brisbane’s north.
The investment includes $50 million for upgrades on the Gympie Arterial Road to meet the significant increase in vehicle traffic and improve the connection to the southern end of the Bruce Highway, and $7.75 million to raise the road level at Youngs Crossing to prevent future flooding events.
Federal Member for Petrie, Luke Howarth, said the projects are designed to meet future transport demands.
“Because of our growing economy, we are able to deliver the services and infrastructure our community desperately needs,” he said.
The congestion busting projects form part of a $244 million package of works recently announced across South East Queensland.
Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, Alan Tudge, said estimates put the cost of congestion in Australia’s capital cities at $25 billion per year in 2017-18, projected to increase to $40 billion per year by 2030.
“The Urban Congestion Fund will deliver a more reliable road network for commuters and freight, and support critical access to employment centres and freight hubs,” Mr Tudge said.
“This is as much about hitting those local traffic headaches as it is about the major highways and providing a safer journey home for motorists.”
The new local congestion busting infrastructure projects complement an existing $7.2 billion investment by the Morrison Government into major urban infrastructure projects in South East Queensland.
This includes Bruce Highway upgrades, the Brisbane Metro, and upgrades to the M1 Pacific Motorway upgrades.
The Federal Government has invested more than $20 billion in Queensland roads and rail since 2013, including over $5 billion provided in last year’s Budget.
