First stage of council’s largest ever road upgrade complete
06 November 2023
The largest road upgrade in Ipswich City Council’s history has reached a major milestone with the first of three stages now complete in the duplication of Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Mayor Teresa Harding said the duplication of Springfield Parkway from Hymba Yumba Independent School to the Centenary Highway, and Springfield Greenbank Arterial from Springfield Parkway to Eden Station Drive, was an exciting first step in addressing congestion throughout Springfield.
“The expansion of Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial is vitally important to improving safety and making travel easier for the growing Springfield community,” Mayor Harding said.
“We know that motorists have been crying out for these improvements for a long time, and we appreciate that months of roadworks can be frustrating.
“With this critical work now complete, six lanes of traffic travelling from three directions are all navigating through a new signalised intersection at Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial – the biggest in council’s road network.
“Four lanes where Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial meet plus on-road cycle lanes and shared pathways for cycles and pedestrians are all open to the public.
“Council has worked with TMR to integrate multiple road upgrade projects at once, fast-tracking improvements and minimising construction impacts for Springfield residents.”
State Member for Jordan Charis Mullen MP said the completion of Stage 1 of the Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial Duplication Project was a win for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
“I am so pleased to celebrate this significant milestone in the joint effort by the State Government and Ipswich City Council to improve traffic flow in and around Springfield,” Ms Mullen said.
“These are significant road upgrades that are needed to support Springfield’s booming population.
“In tandem with council’s local road upgrades, the State Government has committed $6.5 million to upgrading the motorway’s entry point into Springfield to reduce peak hour congestion and improve safety.
“Exit 32 was closed in August to save months in construction time and millions in overall project costs to taxpayers, fast-tracking its reopening.
“The completion of the first stage of the local road duplication means the upgrade of the exit ramp can now continue at pace.”
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson and Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said the upgrade significantly improves safety while supporting growth in the region.
“Extensive earthworks were needed to upgrade the over-capacity roundabout at Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial to a signalised intersection, accommodating pedestrian movements and including a U-turn facility,” Cr Tully said.
“Work also included the construction of a retaining wall near the Escarpment estate on Springfield Parkway and a bridge duplication over Opossum Creek.
“With efforts now shifting to accelerating work at the Centenary Motorway off-ramp, I am looking forward to this stage reaching completion in late 2024.”
Division 2 Councillor Nicole Jonic said detours remain in place around the closure of exit 32, with drivers advised to take exit 33 and detour along Sinnathamby Boulevard to reconnect with Springfield Greenbank Arterial.
“Council urges all drivers to take their time when travelling through the area, and thanks everybody for their patience and understanding throughout construction,” Cr Jonic said.
“The upgraded exit ramp will have two through lanes and two left-turning lanes on the approach to the roundabout on Springfield Greenbank Arterial Road.
“Council is also replacing the existing roundabout where Main Street, Springfield Greenbank Arterial and exit 32 meet with a new, signalised intersection.
“The final piece of the puzzle is continuing the Springfield Parkway duplication that is now complete north to Topaz Road, including another new signalised intersection at Woodcrest Way.
“Survey work and service relocations are underway for this last stage of the duplication project, with construction expected to get underway next year.”
Further information, including maps and information on closures and detours, can be found at the TMR website and Ipswich City Council website.
Residents can also contact Ipswich City Council on 3810 6666.