Queensland
The plan involves building a new arterial road called Moreton Connector between Dohles Rocks Road at Murrumba Downs and Anzac Avenue at Mango Hill. Credit: Tatters.

The Government of Queensland in Australia has unveiled a plan that involves investing A$2.1bn ($1.35bn) to reduce road congestion in Brisbane.

The plan involves building a new arterial road called Moreton Connector between Dohles Rocks Road at Murrumba Downs and Anzac Avenue at Mango Hill to expedite road journeys for Moreton Bay and North Brisbane commuters.

In addition, the plan includes upgrading Gateway Motorway, Gympie Road and the Bruce Highway, as well as building north-facing ramps at Dohles Rocks Road.

If approved by the federal government, the project is expected to create hundreds of jobs in the province supporting the local economy.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said: “The federal government is eager to look at what jobs we can create and what projects we have across Queensland. This proposal is exactly the kind of key congestion busting road infrastructure they are looking for and is ready to go to the federal government.

“If we can work with the federal government to get this approved, this of course means hundreds of jobs and better commuting for people travelling on the northside of Brisbane.”

The federal and state governments are expected to work with Moreton Bay Regional Council to deliver the proposed new road.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said: “The Gateway Motorway, Bruce Highway and Gympie Road in this part of Brisbane’s outer northern suburbs collectively carry about 310,000 vehicles a day.

“That’s 100,000 more vehicles a day than on the busiest section of the M1, so it’s clear a plan is needed for new roads and major upgrades there. This is the plan that will deliver those upgrades.”

Last month, Queensland Government signed an agreement to accelerate the delivery of 22 regional road projects.