Sneak peak of Brisbane’s newest tunnel
30th November, 2013
LEGACY Way marked another major milestone today, with the official drive along the full length of the tunnel.That honour fell to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss and Lord Mayor of Brisbane City Council Graham Quirk.
Mr Truss said the drive-through demonstrated the significant progress being made on the 4.6 kilometre twin tunnels.
“At 65 per cent completion, Legacy Way is well and truly taking shape, with the tunnels excavated in record-breaking time and one tunnel’s road-base now completed,” Mr Truss said.
“The tunnels will provide an alternative route to existing roads by connecting the Western Freeway at Toowong with the Inner City Bypass at Kelvin Grove.
“Once open in 2015, Legacy Way will almost halve peak-hour travel times between the Centenary Bridge and the Inner City Bypass.
“The Australian Government committed $500 million in funding to this project.”
Councillor Quirk said the project was part of Brisbane City Council’s balanced approach to tackling traffic congestion on Brisbane’s road network, as well as improving cross-city connectivity.
“Motorists will avoid up to seven sets of traffic lights by using the tunnel, cutting travel times by up to 50 per cent between Brisbane’s western and inner northern suburbs,” Councillor Quirk said.
“The Legacy Way team is now working around-the-clock to complete the mechanical and electrical fit out of the twin tunnels, which will involve the installation of essential services to provide a safe driving environment for motorists.”
Activities over the next 18 months will include the installation of fans for ventilation and smoke control, cameras, signs, speakers, lights and public address systems.
The tunnel will open to traffic in 2015.
[ENDS]
