The Ipswich Motorway Corridor currently experiences congestion and extensive delays. Modelling undertaken for the 2019 Australian Infrastructure Audit estimates the direct cost of congestion along the corridor at around $68 million in 2016, which is projected to increase considerably over time.
The problem results in inefficient freight movement. The Ipswich Motorway is one of the three busiest freight corridors in Queensland. The section between Rocklea and Darra is used by 72,000 to 96,000 vehicles per day, of which approximately 10 to 20 per cent are heavy vehicles.
The proposal proposes a suite of road upgrades along 7 km of the Ipswich Motorway between Rocklea and Darra, including:
- widening the corridor to six lanes
- improved flood immunity
- ramp rationalisation
- interchange upgrades
- improved east–west local connectivity
- enhancement of cross motorway connections
- managed motorway treatments.
A business case for Stage 1 of the proposal was assessed by Infrastructure Australia in May 2016, and the project to construct widening of the Ipswich Motorway from Rocklea to Darra is completed.
Stage 2 proposes the upgrade of the Oxley Road Interchange. The remainder of the proposal involves the widening and upgrading of the remaining section of the Ipswich Motorway corridor between Oxley and Darra.
Proponent to complete business case development (Stage 3 of Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework).