The Port of Brisbane Motorway upgrade is officially open to freight
February 21, 2013
The Port of Brisbane Motorway upgrade is officially open to freight.
Queensland Transport Minister Scott Emerson commissioned the $385 million project today.
A large section of the new motorway opened to motorists in September last year, but today’s opening marks the project’s full completion.
Emerson says the project will help the freight industry, as almost 90 percent of port trade is moved by road.
“Providing these upgrades and duplications will help to minimise traffic disruption and maintain smooth traffic flow for freight and local road users,” Emerson says.
“Most heavy vehicles heading to the port are now using the new motorway, with motorists having the option to continue using Lytton Road or the new motorway extension.”
The project is a duplication of the existing three–kilometre, two-lane motorway, with a three-kilometre, four-lane extension and construction of six bridges.
The Port of Brisbane Motorway upgrade project has also made Pritchard Street a permanent cul-de-sac, eliminating the 90-degree bend for port-bound traffic.
Local roads also now exclusively service Fort Lytton and local businesses including the Caltex Lytton
refinery.
The project has been finished eight months ahead of schedule.
State Government figures show the Port of Brisbane Motorway carried about 18,000 vehicles per day in 2009, including 5,400 heavy vehicles.
Government expects these figures to increase to about 45,000 vehicles per day, including about 18,000 heavy vehicles, by 2026.