Plans for a feasibility study on a tunnel stretching from Darra to Toowong, as part of the Centenary Motorway upgrade, have sparked both excitement and criticism among local officials, residents, and transportation experts.
Read: Plans To Upgrade Section Of Toowong To Darra Gets $10M In Funding Commitment
The potential tunnel has been hailed as a “game changer” for the community, with the belief that exploring such options will benefit local businesses, residents relying on the motorway, and commuters who will have access to more reliable bus services.
RACQ Calls for a Broader Perspective
While the proposal has garnered support, it has also faced criticism. The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) argues that the tunnel, as currently envisioned, falls short of providing a comprehensive solution to the region’s traffic woes.
Joshua Cooney, General Manager of Advocacy at RACQ, stated the need for a more holistic approach: “Any study needs to look at what’s happening at the northern end of the route. There’s no point feeding traffic into Brisbane City or the Inner City Bypass. This would effectively mean spending billions of taxpayer dollars to shift the problem from one location to another.”
RACQ is advocating for an “orbital solution” that would provide an alternative route around the city rather than through it. Cooney suggested linking the proposed tunnel with a north-west bypass corridor, potentially connecting to the Gympie Road Bypass once completed.
Current Congestion and Future Concerns
The urgency of the situation is underscored by current traffic conditions on the Centenary Motorway. During peak hours, traffic speeds slow to around 37 km/hour from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in both directions.
RACQ previously called for comprehensive planning to address Southeast Queensland’s predicted population growth and to deliver lasting transport legacy projects for the 2032 Olympic Games and beyond.
Read: Toowong to West End Bridge: Brisbane’s Stalled Project Seeks New Momentum
Looking Ahead
As the tunnel feasibility study moves forward, the debate continues over how best to alleviate traffic congestion and improve transportation infrastructure in the region. The outcome of this study and subsequent decisions will likely have far-reaching implications for Brisbane’s urban landscape and the daily lives of its residents for decades to come.
Published 13-September-2024
