Brisbane’s eastern busway project appears to be on track with the second major link almost complete
April 19, 2011
Brisbane’s eastern busway link from Buranda to Main Avenue Coorparoo is 80 percent complete and is likely to be finished later this year.
Given the wet weather conditions in southern Queensland since the start of 2011, busway construction has continued unabated.
“Despite all the wet weather we’re on track to complete this vital section of Brisbane’s world class busway network,” says Queensland Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“Busway and tunnel entrances had been designed to be above major flood levels so construction works were able to proceed full-steam ahead despite the flooding.”
The Eastern Busway will connect communities in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs to Brisbane City, major shopping centres, workplaces and the University of Queensland.
Key project benefits include cutting eight minutes off bus trips through the busiest section of Old Cleveland Road, bypassing four sets of traffic lights and saving regular commuters from Coorparoo to the city 1.5 hours in travel time per week.
The project so far will include two new bus stations at Stones Corner and Langlands Park.
Palaszczuk says a 200 tonne crane was recently used to install a pedestrian bridge at the Langlands Park busway station linking two busway station towers with lifts and disability access.
Local member for Greenslopes Cameron Dick says the 1.05 kilometre section of busway is a major boost for the local economy and is providing more than 2500 jobs for south-east Queensland.
“The finish line is in sight and I thank residents who have been so patient since construction started in late 2009,” Dick says.
“This main section is expected to carry more than 100 buses per peak and one bus means 40 less cars on our roads – that’s good news to ease traffic conditions on our local roads.”
The Eastern Busway project is being delivered by an alliance, which includes Queensland Transport and Main Roads, Leighton Contractors, AECOM and Sinclair Knight Merz.
The section from University of Queensland and the Eleanor Schonell Bridge to Princess Alexandra Hospital opened in August 2009, and features two new busway stations, a bus stop at Dutton Park and Australia’s longest busway tunnel.
The final 18 km stretch of the busway will connect Buranda to Capalaba via Stones Corner, Coorparoo, Camp Hill, Carina, Carindale and Chandler.