Second river crossing to bust Ipswich Central congestion
07 April 2022
A second river crossing in Ipswich Central is desperately needed to unlock bottlenecks and improve road safety by providing an alternate cross-river route to the aging and congested David Trumpy Bridge.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the proposal, known locally as the Norman Street Bridge, is a key priority for council as the 2022 federal election draws near.
“The 2022 federal election is an important opportunity for council to secure commitments for projects that support the future liveability and prosperity for the City of Ipswich,” Mayor Harding said.
“A multi-modal flood-immune second river crossing in Ipswich Central will future-proof the inner-city road network and reduce impacts to productivity caused by congestion and incidents.
“By freeing up traffic congestion, we can save the local economy $34 million per year in productivity costs.”
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Fechner said that the Ipswich Central Second River Crossing is integral to catering for increased traffic demand due to population growth.
“With the David Trumpy Bridge already operating overcapacity and carrying 40,000 vehicles a day, the second river crossing is crucial to reducing congestion for road users, pedestrians, residents, and businesses in Ipswich Central and surrounding suburbs,” Cr Fechner said.
“By providing an alternate route for over 20,000 through-traffic vehicles per day in 2036, a second river crossing will support connectivity, inner-city revitalisation, and economic development and is integral to enabling Ipswich Central to fulfil its role as a principal regional activity centre.
“Securing a $2.5 million commitment from federal election candidates to progress the Detailed Business Case is an important step to funding and finalising the necessary investigations to make this vital project shovel-ready.
“Ipswich residents have been hearing about another bridge over the Bremer River for more than fifty years.
“It’s well beyond time to see actual progress and with the support of the federal and state governments, we can see that happen."
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said council is also advocating to the Queensland Government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads for recognition of this project at a state level.
“A second river crossing is part of council’s broader strategy to help future-proof Ipswich’s road network against population growth, congestion, and flooding,” Cr Doyle said.
“During the recent flood event, with multiple CBD streets impassable for several days, traffic across the David Trumpy Bridge and throughout Ipswich Central ground to a halt.
“A second bridge and an alternate route can help keep people and traffic moving during times of flood.
“This project will transform how people move within Ipswich by improving cross-river connectivity and enabling improvements to both public and active transport that will make our roads, footpaths and community safer.”
Infrastructure Australia, which last year gave priority list status to council’s proposed Ipswich to Springfield Public Transport Corridor, is currently assessing a stage one submission on the second river crossing and will announce the outcome in mid-2022.
Mayor Harding said council had already carried out feasibility studies with the support of the State Government and delivered the Strategic and Preliminary Business Cases.