The Benefits

Benefits of Airport Link

Improved connectivity - across the city quicker

  • Providing a vital link between Brisbane's CBD, airport and Australia Trade Coast precinct
  • Avoiding up to 14 sets of traffic lights between Bowen Hills and Kedron, up to 16 sets of lights between Bowen Hills and Toombul, and up to 18 sets of lights between Bowen Hills and the start of Airport Drive

Less congestion and peak hour traffic

  • Significantly reducing peak hour traffic on busy Sandgate Road by up to 24% and Lutwyche Road by up to 40% in 2012
  • Reducing peak hour traffic on South Pine Road at Everton Park by up to 12% in 2012, and Rode Road (west of Sandgate Road) by up to 25% in 2012
  • Reduced congestion on Kingsford Smith Drive by up to 11% in 2012, and free road space for bus or transit lanes

More liveable northern suburbs

  • Reducing traffic, heavy vehicles and noise on suburban streets
  • Improved traffic flow throughout Brisbane’s northern suburbs
  • Urban regeneration in Kedron, Windsor and Toombul
  • Enhanced pedestrian and cycle links
  • Revitalising local streets and public areas

Benefits of the Northern Busway

Economic

  • Will cater for 47,000 public transport trips per day by 2016 – five times more than currently made through these areas (rising to 78,000 in 2026)
  • Will cater for a bus every 20 seconds in 2026
  • Save bus commuters 36 minutes a day in 2026 and improved reliability with consistent trip times
  • Reduce car travel growth on Bowen Bridge, Lutwyche and Gympie roads – the Busway and Airport Link could reduce traffic up to 45% on Lutwyche Road.

Environmental

  • Significant trees will be retained, including Pop’s Fig and the fig trees near Windsor State School
  • Reduced congestion, pollution and traffic noise - there are 40 fewer cars on the road for every full bus of commuters
  • No adverse air quality or health impacts are expected during construction due to mitigation measures.

Social

  • Improved accessibility for people travelling to and from the northern suburbs, particularly those who are transport disadvantaged
  • Better access to key destinations such as the RBH complex, city, QUT, University of Queensland, inner Brisbane suburbs, Lutwyche, Toombul, Australia TradeCoast and Chermside
  • Direct access to busway stations by improving cycle and pedestrian links

Benefits of the Airport Roundabout Upgrade

Fast access to the airport

  • New flyover bridge connects East West Arterial Road directly to Airport Drive, cutting travel time significantly for motorists travelling to and from the airport and Australia Trade Coast
  • Improved traffic flow on Airport Drive, reducing traffic delays

Less congestion and delays

  • Improved traffic flow on East West Arterial Road and Nudgee Road
  • The fast diamond intersection is highly efficient and capable of handling larger volumes of traffic, improving road safety and reducing congestion.

Incorporates future traffic planning

  • Lane widening and surface road improvements to Airport Drive
  • Widening of East-West Arterial Road from two lanes to three lanes each way, enhancing road capacity now and into the future