A proposed expansion of a 10km stretch of the Logan Motorway is predicted to reduce travel times by up to 20 minutes ahead of the 2032 Olympics.
It is hoped the project – co-funded by the Queensland government – will “unclog” the motorway by 2031, which has become one of the region’s worst-congested freight routes.
But the government said it won’t agree to fund the project if it results in “additional toll increases for ordinary motorists, including cars, utes and motorcycles”.
Current plans would see a new lane added in each direction of the motorway between Centenary Motorway and the Mt Lindesay Highway, and another lane added westbound between Boundary Road and Formation Street.
Among other changes, the Logan Motorway’s owner Transurban Queensland predicts the upgrades would take more than 6000 vehicles off local roads.
From 2031, up to 20 minutes is expected to be shaved from travel times during peak hours.
Transurban CEO Michelle Jablko said the transport corridor supported the movement of “over $1.0 billion of freight each day” and would continue to grow in the coming decades.
“This project will cater for this future growth by significantly reducing travel times on a vital Brisbane freight route, improving road safety and supporting the area’s sustainable development,” he said.
“The Logan West Upgrade project is an example of successful public-private collaboration, and we are pleased to be partnering with the Queensland Government to be exploring these important upgrades to deliver road transport solutions and vital infrastructure.”
The project would also see upgrades to the motorway’s on and off ramps, and the installation of “smart motorway” technology to improve traffic and safety.
The state government estimates 210,000 trips are made on motorway every day.
Community feedback will be sought to help shape the project.
If approved, construction is expected to be completed before the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said the upgrades would create around 850 local jobs.
“This congestion-busting project proposal will improve freight productivity and will ensure the estimated 210,000 trips made on the Logan Motorway get to their destination safer and sooner every day,” Mr Mellish said.
“Thousands of trucks and cars will be removed from local roads each day, keeping motorway traffic on the motorway and local traffic on local roads.”