ARU

What is the Airport Roundabout Upgrade?

This project has delivered a long-term solution to one of Brisbane’s most congested intersections. A four lane flyover now allows motorists heading to and from the Airport to avoid the intersection of the East West Arterial and Nudgee Road.

 

BrisConnections was the successful contractor appointed to design and construct the project. The Airport Roundabout Upgrade provides a long-term solution to relieve traffic congestion, reduce delays and improve safety.

 

The main features of the upgrade include:

  • 750 metre four lane bridge (Airport Flyover) linking the East-West Arterial Road and the Airport Drive over Nudgee Road and the Southern Cross Way
  • Replaced the existing Gateway Motorway overpass (Southern Cross Way) with a new four lane overpass
  • Replaced the existing roundabout with a high capacity signalised “fast diamond” intersection
  • Improved connections to the airport precinct, the Gateway Motorway and the local road network
  • Widening of the East-West Arterial Road to three traffic lanes in each direction
  • Surface road improvements to Airport Drive.

Benefits of the Airport Flyover

  • savings of more than 10 minutes for trips going to and from the airport during peak periods
  • reliable and fast access to and from the domestic and international airport terminals
  • reduced traffic congestion and delays for business, Brisbane’s residents and visitors
  • improved road safety
  • reduced traffic delays and improved reliability with the overpass providing a direct connection between the East-West Arterial Road and Airport Drive.

The Airport Roundabout Upgrade began construction four months ahead of schedule in April 2009 and all lanes of the new Airport Flyover were open to traffic by February 2011.

 

Background

 

The draft Environmental Approval Report (EAR) was developed to identify ways to minimise, mitigate and manage environmental impacts including:

  • water quality
  • soils
  • land use and planning
  • landscape and visual amenity
  • air quality
  • noise and vibration
  • flora and fauna

The public was invited to comment on the draft EAR from 4 to 18 October 2008. Feedback from the community and other relevant information was assessed to develop the EAR. The EAR was submitted to the Department of Main Roads in late 2008, enabling the project to be approved and ultimately, proceed to the construction phase four months ahead of schedule.