Logan motorists are in for safer, shorter and less stressful journeys as a number of road upgrades take shape across the city.
Four major roads and water projects, each valued at more than $15 million, will be undertaken simultaneously in a massive boost for city infrastructure.
Leading the way is a $77.7 million widening of Loganlea Road, from the Logan Motorway to the M1 on-ramp at Slacks Creek, jointly funded by the federal government and Logan City Council.
The new stretch will feature six lanes – three in each direction. Another northbound lane will be added to the Ray Hodgson Bridge over Slacks Creek.
Shared pathways on either side of the road will benefit bike and scooter riders, walkers and joggers.
Areas of improvement
Other major road upgrade works include:
- Mundoolun Road – $17.4 million
- Kelly Street (Eagleby) drainage – $18 million
- Cowper Avenue (Eagleby) drainage – $16 million
Infrastructure Chair and Councillor Teresa Lane, said it was a busy period for Council, but one which would deliver important infrastructure for the community.
“This is by far our most significant work front on record,” Cr Lane said.
“There may be some short-term pain as motorists, bike riders and pedestrians navigate their way around work sites, but the long-term benefits will be worth it.
“Over the next decade and a half, the city’s population will swell to more than half a million people.
“This is about building roads to service a growing city and getting everyone home safely.”
Division 6 Councillor Tony Hall said the upgrade would be welcomed by the thousands of motorists who use Loganlea Road every day.
“This stretch of bitumen is a vital thoroughfare in the city and this upgrade will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion and travel times.
“Just as important, it will improve safety for everyone including pedestrians.”
Flood mitigation
Much of the work underway could assist to reduce localised flooding impacts, with new pipes, manholes, culverts and drainage structures.
Upgrades to the stormwater networks at Kelly Street and Cowper Avenue in Eagleby are now underway and involve the laying of 6.4km of concrete pipes and channels.
A similar $15 million upgrade to the stormwater network at Woodlands Drive, Rochedale South has recently been completed.
Division 12 Councillor Karen Murphy said the drainage works in Eagleby were vital after parts of the suburb were inundated in last year’s floods.
“These massive new pipes being laid by Council will ensure the water gets away quicker in times of heavy or sustained rain,”
Better safety for cyclists will also be secured via cycleway upgrades, including the $4.2 million extension of Slacks Track, Station Road at Loganlea and Cinderella Drive at Springwood.
Infrastructure funding
Council’s 2022/2023 budget investment for roads and drainage is $241.5 million.
Almost $60 million in road infrastructure projects have been completed in the first six months of this financial year.
The Loganlea Road project is receiving $22.5 million in funding from the Australian Government’s Infrastructure Investment Program.
The Mundoolun Road project is partly funded through the 2022-23 Roads to Recovery Program.
