The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has completed the Ipswich Motorway upgrade in Australia, at a total cost of A$5bn ($4.9bn).

The enhanced 8km-long stretch between Dinmore and Goodna is expected to improve driving conditions and safety for drivers and passengers.

Federal infrastructure and transport minister Anthony Albanese said: "This upgrade improves safety and delivers quicker, less frustrating driving conditions for people living in Brisbane’s western suburbs, as well as in and around Ipswich."

Ipswich Motorway’s new network of local service roads, bridges and pedestrian cycle-ways have improved the connection between neighbouring suburbs.

Queensland transport and main roads minister Scott Emerson said there are more than seven kilometres of service roads and eight kilometres of upgraded motorway.

"The new motorway has been increased from two to three lanes in each direction, with enough room put aside to expand in the future," added Emerson.

"There are also 26 new or rebuilt bridges and about 24km of shared pedestrian pathways and cycle-ways."

TMR used over half a million tonnes of asphalt to upgrade the motorway project and planted more than one million trees along the 8km stretch.

According to Emerson, the project was finished even after facing major challenges, such as the last year’s floods, the rebuilding of a major road and three abandoned mines.

The motorway, which was completed six months before the scheduled time, is used by almost 90,000 motorists and truck drivers every day.