Springfield traffic changes fast-track major roadworks
30 June 2023
Springfield residents will be driving on four lanes on the Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial sooner than anticipated, with final works on the project getting underway.
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Chair Mayor Teresa Harding said a major traffic switch, to be implemented overnight on Thursday 29 June, would fast-track the completion of Stage 1 of the project.
“The upgrade of Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial from two to four lanes is Ipswich City Council’s biggest road project, and it’s exciting to see Stage 1 so close to completion,” Mayor Harding said.
“This year’s budget included $23.7 million to progress Stage 1 and Stage 3 works on these major roads, which are critical access routes for Springfield residents.
“On Thursday night a traffic switch will significantly alter how residents drive through and around this major upgrade, including changing access to Escarpment Drive.
“The change could save at least eight weeks on project construction, meaning motorists will be reaping the benefits of the work sooner.
“It will also improve community and contractor safety, reduce the need for nightworks, and fast-track the installation of new traffic lights, which will reduce costs to ratepayers.
“Traffic controllers will also be on-site to make sure drivers, pedestrians and cyclists can travel safely through this area and understand the changes.
“The switch will take place now, during school holidays, to further minimise impacts on local school communities.”
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chair and Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said the traffic switch would be closely monitored.
“This work is being undertaken to facilitate the construction of new traffic lights, replacing the roundabout at Springfield Greenbank Arterial and Springfield Parkway,” Cr Tully said.
“Making these changes to traffic flow will give the construction team more room to work on the new traffic lights, which will speed up completion and reduces lengthy delays for residents.
“Once the switch is complete, the existing roundabout will be removed and traffic will flow continually between the Bridgewater Road and Centenary Highway roundabouts.”
The changes will remove the ability to turn right from Springfield Greenbank Arterial onto Springfield Parkway towards Springfield Lakes, and remove the ability to travel straight through from Springfield Parkway to Springfield Greenbank Arterial if traveling towards the Orion Shopping Centre.
Division 2 Councillor Nicole Jonic said the changes would ensure residents could travel safely through the area with the minimum possible disruption while allowing contractors to work throughout the day.
“While this is a big adjustment in how residents drive through and around Springfield, the change will only be for a relatively short time before the new traffic lights are completed and Stage 1 is finalised,” Cr Jonic said.
“Council assessed all available options for traffic flow during this major construction stage before opting for this traffic switch.
“We appreciate the impact such a major road project has on local residents and are focused on completing these roadworks as soon as possible to benefit residents with a faster, safer route in and out of Springfield.”
The traffic switch will be enacted in two phases, with pedestrian detours in place throughout the changes. A temporary bus stop will also be provided on Escarpment Drive for the duration of the project.
For Hymba Yumba School access, some traffic will need to detour via Main Street roundabout, under the guidance of Traffic Control.
Phase 1 will be for two weeks:
- Removal of the Springfield Greenbank Arterial Springfield Parkway roundabout will allow continuous flow of traffic.
- The Escarpment Drive Springfield Parkway intersection will become a dedicated left-turn in only.
- Vehicles leaving the Escarpment Drive Estate will need to use the Springfield Greenbank Arterial exit.
- The Escarpment Drive Springfield Greenbank Arterial intersection will open to left-turn in and left-turn out traffic only.
- Vehicles accessing the Centenary Motorway will use either Eden Station Road or detour via the Main Street roundabout, then Bridgewater roundabout.
- Vehicles needing to turn right will detour via Main Street roundabout then Bridgewater Road roundabout.
Phase 2 will be for ten weeks:
- The Escarpment Drive Springfield Parkway intersection will be a dedicated left-turn out only, with vehicles merging into Springfield Parkway.
- Vehicles requiring access to the Centenary Motorway will use either Eden Station Road, or detour via Main Street roundabout and Bridgewater Road roundabout.
- The Escarpment Drive Springfield Greenbank Arterial intersection will open to left-turn in and left-turn out traffic movements only.
- Vehicles requiring to turn right will use the Springfield Parkway intersection or the detour via Main Street roundabout.
- Vehicles requiring access to the Centenary Motorway will use either Eden Station Road or detour via Main Street roundabout and Bridgewater Road roundabout.
For more information on the project, residents can contact council by calling (07) 3810 6666 or emailing capitalprojects@ipswich.qld.gov.au.
The Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial Upgrade is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS) and Ipswich City Council.