A Brisbane City Council initiative, the Inner City Bypass’ (ICB) $60-million upgrade is currently underway through Transurban Queensland, with BMD Constructions as the contractor for design and construction.
Inner City Bypass upgrade fly-through Credit: Brisbane City Council
The ICB is considered as one of Brisbane’s most important routes and is vital to driving the city’s economic growth. It is a major link in the road network because of its connections to Lutwyche Road, Airport Link Tunnel, Clem Jones Tunnel, Legacy Way tunnel, and Kingsford Smith Drive.
Carrying more than 105,000 vehicles per weekday at 90% capacity, the ICB is expected to exceed its capacity by 2021; hence the need for an upgrade.
Benefits
The upgrade aims to widen the ICB from three to four lanes in each direction between Legacy Way and the RNA tunnel. This can facilitate further growth to areas along the key corridor.
The ICB upgrade is set to deliver major benefits to road users. It will increase its capacity for current and future traffic demands which will help in reducing congestion-related accidents making it safer for road users. The upgrade will also improve ICB’s connectivity to the wider road network thus improving travel times.
Once completed, the ICB will make it easier for people going to and from the western suburbs to travel via public transport with the number of bus priority measures delivered by the upgrade. The new bus priority measures at the Herston Road exit off the ICB will include a new dedicated bus priority lane.
Construction Impacts
Major works on the project have already begun and the upgrade is expected to be completed this year.
Works are scheduled from 7:00 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday to Friday and 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays. To maximise the safety of road workers and motorists, as well as minimise traffic disruptions, out-of-hours work may be required on Sundays and overnight between 8:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m., Sunday to Thursday. Signage and traffic control are in place to direct motorists accordingly.
Residents living near the project site may expect construction noise, low levels of vibration, and dust. Advance notice will be provided for constructions that are likely to cause disruptions such as night works, noisy works or major access changes.