Commuters travelling Brisbane’s Centenary Motorway are losing over 28 hours each year to traffic delays, with RACQ naming it one of the region’s worst peak-hour choke points.
Centenary Motorway Delays Cost Drivers 28 Hours a Year
Drivers travelling the Centenary Motorway between Ipswich Motorway and Fig Tree Pocket Road are losing more than 28 hours every year to traffic delays, the worst congestion in Brisbane’s southwest, and a growing frustration for residents in Darra, Seventeen Mile Rocks and Fig Tree Pocket.
Morning peak speeds on this stretch have dropped to 35.9 km/h, adding nearly seven minutes per trip compared to free-flowing traffic, according to the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) 2024 Travel Speeds Report on South East Queensland congestion.
Pressure mounting on key corridors
The RACQ reports the Centenary Motorway is among the slowest major routes during peak times, with worsening delays. Since 2019, morning speeds have fallen on 66% of Brisbane’s key roads, and afternoon congestion is rising. Traffic pressure has surged in suburbs along the Centenary Motorway due to population growth.
The report highlights how the extra travel time adds up quickly for regular commuters, especially those working standard full-time hours. That 7-minute delay each morning equals over 28 hours a year behind the wheel, based on a typical 48-week work year.
Neighbouring areas like Mount Ommaney and Jindalee are also affected by congestion on adjoining sections of the motorway, although the Ipswich-to-Fig Tree Pocket corridor remains the hardest hit.
RACQ calls for long-term transport planning
RACQ’s Head of Public Policy, Dr Michael Kane, warned that road widening isn’t enough to meet future demand. He called for long-term solutions, including improved public transport, smarter upgrades, and alternative travel options.
RACQ has proposed extending Brisbane Metro into suburbs like Loganholme and Carseldine, and introducing electric Metro Gliders for faster city-bound routes.
Other ideas include better bike lanes and walkways to cut car use for short trips, but most plans are still in early stages, leaving residents to face worsening commutes.
Communities brace for Olympic growth
The push for faster action has taken on new urgency as Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympic Games. With major events planned across the city, including in the western suburbs, locals are worried that existing road networks won’t cope with increased demand.
With tourism and economic growth, traffic on the Centenary Motorway is set to rise. Renewed calls for a western bypass and outer ring road aim to ease pressure by diverting through-traffic.
Despite $1 billion in funding for transport projects, timelines remain unclear. Meanwhile, residents in Darra, Seventeen Mile Rocks, and Fig Tree Pocket endure slow commutes with no quick fix.
Published 9-April-2025
