Construction of Brisbane’s newest motorway is progressing rapidly with work this weekend on an overpass crossing Lavarack Avenue in Eagle
Construction of Brisbane’s newest motorway is progressing rapidly with work this weekend on an overpass crossing Lavarack Avenue in Eagle Farm.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt says the 53-tonne beams, which will make up the deck for a four-lane bridge, would be lifted into place over two consecutive nights, weather permitting.
“A full detour of Lavarack Avenue between French Street and Harvey Street will be in place during the night-time works,” Pitt says.
“The bridge is an important part of the upgrade, taking the new section of motorway over Lavarack Avenue.”
The Lavarack Avenue overpass is one of 17 bridges that form part of the new 7km northern section of Gateway Motorway, which starts at the twin Gateway Bridges and travels through old and current airport land north to Nudgee Road. The new motorway is a key part of the $1.88 billion Gateway Upgrade Project.
Pitt says the motorway will also include new south-facing on and off-ramps at Kingsford Smith Drive, providing improved access to and from the city and extra motorway links to the industrial hub of Eagle Farm and its surrounds.
“When the northern works are completed in mid 2009, four lanes of the 7km northern section of motorway will initially be opened to provide a more direct north-south link than the existing motorway,” he says.
“The 7km section of motorway will be fully opened to six lanes by mid 2010 to align with the opening of the new Gateway Bridge.”
Changes to traffic conditions will occur to accommodate the construction activity.
Queensland Motorways CEO Phil Mumford says lane closures are programmed to occur at night to ensure minimal impact and to keep traffic moving, particularly during peak periods.
“For safety reasons, motorists are urged to please slow down and follow the instructions given by traffic controllers and signage,” he says.