The Queensland State Government has ruled out building a road bypass west of Brisbane, and will instead investigate a range of projects including new tunnels, new public transport options and new roads on preserved corridors, as part of its Western Brisbane Transport Network Investigation.

Acting Premier Paul Lucas said the State Government had ruled out two surface road options for any western bypass because of low traffic volumes, but would investigate a tunnel closer to the city as part of a long-term alternative.

 
"Even in 20 years, with the expected growth, it would only carry from as low as 5,000 vehicles a day on one option to 25,000 vehicles on another. But given that's only a quarter of the number of vehicles using roads like the Ipswich Motorway and the Gateway every day, it's just not feasible," he said.

"The State Government is planning improvements for 2026 and beyond… The numbers for a western bypass simply do not stack up, but we are actively looking at a range of options that will make a significant difference to traffic and public transport in South East Queensland in the future.”

Lucas said the State Government is currently spending $100m a week on building and maintaining roads, railways, busways and ports throughout the state, which is delivering projects like the Gateway upgrade, the Tugun Bypass and the Inner Northern Busway.

However, he said that if the State is going to “adequately deal with” the extra 1,000 people a week coming to South East Queensland, the government needs to look at options for the longer term.

 
Major options for consideration include a tunnel from Toowong to Everton Park; a future road link from Stafford to Aspley that would connect with the Toowong to Everton Park tunnel; upgrading Stafford Road between Everton Park and Kedron, including constructing a tunnel for private vehicles while public transport priority would use Stafford Road; and protecting road corridors already preserved and planning future road upgrades to service Samford Valley and Moggill.
 
"I want to make it clear that these are long-term options and will be subject to further analysis of traffic volumes, engineering and environmental considerations, costings and public consultation," Lucas said.

"Connecting people to where they live, work, study and play is central to our options planning for western Brisbane. We are considering all types of transport options - walking, cycling, public transport, roads and freight," Lucas said.

Public consultation for these projects ends on May 31, 2008 – for more details visit www.wbtni.net.au or phone the Western Brisbane Transport Network Investigation hotline on 1800 636 896.