Queensland Government in Australia is planning to upgrade the Sumners Road Interchange on Centenary Highway with an investment of A$65m ($52.1m).

The upgrade is expected to improve safety and cut travel times for drivers in the Centenary suburbs, Ipswich, Springfield and beyond.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said: “Every day, 85,000 vehicles use the Centenary Motorway, and 35,000 use Sumners and Monier Roads.”

Palaszczuk added that the upgrade would create 50 jobs, as well as reduce congestion on the daily commute, and cut travel times for 5,500 heavy trucks that use this interchange daily.

Upgrade works for the project are expected to begin within 12 months, following the completion of design and tenders for construction.

"This is the closest city-bound interchange to the Ipswich-Centenary Motorway intersection, so easing congestion at Sumners road has far-reaching consequences."

Queensland Acting Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Steven Miles said: “The upgrade will include the installation of two signalised intersections to replace the existing roundabouts and construction of a new two-lane eastbound bridge, with active transport options including cycle lanes, shared paths and crossings.

“This is the closest city-bound interchange to the Ipswich-Centenary Motorway intersection, so easing congestion at Sumners road has far-reaching consequences.

“It also improves connectivity to Darra train station through reduced bus travel times. That benefits passengers travelling towards Ipswich, Springfield or Brisbane.”

Miles added that the upgrade will have further benefits through much of Brisbane’s transport network.