The Centenary Motorway, a vital artery nearing its centennial anniversary, faces the prospect of a major transformation to address its chronic congestion problems.
A $10-million feasibility study into a tunnel linking Toowong to Darra has been unveiled, a move aimed at bypassing the notorious motorway. It highlighted the urgent need to alleviate the gridlock that has plagued the Centenary Motorway for years.
However, the RACQ has emphasised that any such tunnel must connect to the northside, bypassing the city entirely, to avoid shifting bottlenecks further north. RACQ pointed out that the motorway experiences severe congestion in both directions during peak hours, with speeds often crawling to around 37km/h.
While welcoming the initiative, RACQ stressed the importance of considering the broader picture.
“Any study needs to look at what’s happening at the northern end of the route because there’s no point feeding traffic into (the CBD) or the Inner City Bypass,” said RACQ General Manager of Advocacy Joshua Cooney.
The RACQ advocates for an “orbital solution” that provides an alternative route around the city rather than one run through it. Once completed, they have called for a north west bypass corridor to link up with the Gympie Road Bypass. Additionally, the RACQ emphasises the need to view these solutions as part of a network that includes improved public transport options for the western suburbs.
However, the tunnel proposal has yet to be met with universal enthusiasm. Cycling groups have expressed anger at the announcement, particularly after being invited to participate in the Centenary Motorway Corridor Masterplan process.
They fear that prioritising the tunnel could lead to a lack of funding for much-needed improvements to the Centenary Cycleway and other local walking and cycling connections.
The debate underscores the complex challenges of addressing Brisbane’s growing traffic congestion. As the Centenary Motorway approaches its 100th year, the feasibility study represents a critical step in determining its future.
The ultimate solution will need to balance the needs of motorists, cyclists, and public transport users while also considering the long-term sustainability of the city’s transportation network.
Published Date 13-September-2024
