Brisbane’s Legacy Way tunnel is open with a promise of cutting up to 14 minutes on travel times
Brisbane’s $1.5 billion Legacy Way tunnel has finally been opened for use.
The new 4.6 kilometre twin tunnels will reduce travel time and improve safety for motorists travelling from Brisbane’s western suburbs.
The Legacy Way project was jointly funded with the Australian Government contributing $500 million and Brisbane City Council providing more than $1 billion.
Deputy prime minister and minister for infrastructure and regional development Warren Truss says the Legacy Way project is a major investment in the Brisbane road network and an iconic piece of infrastructure.
“The project has employed thousands of people, involved international companies and created a world-class piece of infrastructure which will serve the people of Brisbane for many decades to come,” he says.
“It is a great example of the Australian Government working with Brisbane City Council to improve transport infrastructure in the city.”
Federal member for Brisbane Teresa Gambaro says the twin tunnels will increase Queensland’s productivity, with commuters saving significant travel time.
“Road users will save up to 14 minutes in travel time, with Legacy Way bypassing seven sets of traffic lights. It features modern traffic signs as well as a state-of-the-art traffic control centre which will give motorists updates on traffic conditions,” she says.
Brisbane City Council lord mayor Graham Quirk is pleased to see the completion of the Legacy Way tunnel, named in honour of those who served and those who passed away serving in the Australian Defence Force.
“Families of fallen soldiers will benefit from every vehicle that travels the Legacy Way tunnel, through a partnership with the charity Legacy. The tunnel logo and the Legacy torch will raise awareness of the Legacy organisation and be a lasting tribute to those who serve our country,” he says.
“More than 7.3 million work hours by 9,000 people went into constructing Legacy Way, with some 80,000 switches tested during the final commissioning phase.
“Legacy Way is an important new capacity-building addition to Brisbane’s road network, which will relieve pressure on other surface roads such as Milton Road and Coronation Drive.”