The Federal Government has committed $100 million to duplicate the Linkfield Road Overpass to reduce congestion and improve safety at one of Brisbane’s traffic bottlenecks.
Currently, the overpass forces vehicles to merge from two lanes to one before the Gympie Arterial Road on-ramp.
A petition with thousands of signatures support the upgrade, with the $100 million funding up to 80 per cent of the works.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the upgrade would make sure that local motorists aren’t stuck in traffic while doing the school run and traveling to and from work.
“We are focused on congestion busting upgrades which get people out of traffic so that they can spend more time with their families in the morning and at night,” Mr Morrison said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the upgrade would improve safety in the area.
“We know the accident and near-miss rate at the northbound highway connection to the Gympie Arterial Road is a major issue,” Mr McCormack said.
“This upgrade will create a safer overpass and bust the congestion that motorists endure as they merge from two lanes into one.”
Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said the upgrade would be welcomed by motorists who regularly travel on the overpass.
“This upgrade will remove a significant bottleneck that has been a source of great frustration,” Mr Howarth said.
“In particular, it will reduce driving time for the thousands of motorists who access the Gympie Arterial Road and Bruce Highway from Linkfield Road, getting them home to their families sooner and safer.”
Federal Member for Dickson Peter Dutton said the upgrade would include an in-depth planning phase.
“The exact scope of this upgrade will be investigated as part of the planning process and I look forward to seeing the overpass transformed to be a safer and more efficient part of the road network,” Mr Dutton said.
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