Problem

The Ipswich Motorway Corridor currently experiences congestion and extensive delays. Modelling undertaken for the 2015 Australian Infrastructure Audit estimates the direct cost of congestion along the corridor at around $30 million to $40 million in 2011, 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 10,000–12,000 heavy vehicles a day, representing 15–18% of all traffic.

Proposed initiative

The initiative 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
• improved east–west local connectivity
• enhancement of cross motorway connections
• managed motorway treatments.

A business case for Stage 1c of the Initiative (Package 1) was assessed by Infrastructure Australia in May 2016, and the project is currently under construction.

Package 2 proposes the upgrade of the Oxley/Blunder Road interchange. The remainder of the initiative involves the widening and upgrading of the remaining section of the corridor.

Next steps

Proponent to complete business case development (Stage 3 of Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework).