Ipswich Motorway Upgrade Update

With over $400 million of funds allocated to the project, the Ipswich Motorway is currently being revamped, with the design phase due for completion.

In late 2020, the project is set to finish, with the development focussing on sustainability, reduction of waste and creating long-term solutions.

The current project, Stage 1, will focus on the stretch of the highway between Rocklea and Darra - a three kilometre section of the road between Granard Road, Rocklea and the Oxley Road Interchange.

Image: Department of Transport and Main Roads

According to the 2016 Census by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, just over 14,000 people live in the suburbs of Darra, Rocklea and Oxley alone. Many of these locals would use this key stretch of highway daily while going about day to day activities.

In a statement in March, State Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the upgrade would reduce congestion on the motorways and improve safety for those travelling on the route.

“We know that Ipswich is booming, and that’s why this project is so vital,” Mr Bailey said.

“Creating an easier, quicker commute is a key concern for so many people who live in this area, and I’m proud to say we are getting closer to completing this upgrade.”

Image: Department of Transport and Main Roads

Since Oxley is a suburb where 65.8% of people commute to work by car, as well as the daily commuters to and from ipswich, this motorway upgrade is sure to mean great things for the people of the western suburbs.

The next section due for upgrade will be the remaining seven kilometres of the Ipswich Motorway, however there is no news yet about when this may occur.

To read more, click here.

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Despite multiple requests asking Mr Bailey, State Member for Miller and Minister for Transport and Main Roads, what the upgrade means to him as a local, his office declined to comment. We would still like to offer Mr Bailey the opportunity to comment on what the upgrade means to the community.

Cover Image: Department of Transport and Main Roads