Question on Notice No. 76 Asked on 13 February 2008 MR BOMBOLAS asked the Minister for Main Roads and Local Government (MR PITT) – QUESTION: Will you provide an update on the progress of the Gateway Bridge duplication project? ANSWER: I thank the Member for Chatsworth for the question. The Gateway Upgrade Project (GUP) involves duplication of the Gateway Bridge, 12km of motorway upgrades south of the Brisbane River and 7km of new motorway north from the Gateway Bridges to Nudgee Road, including a second access to the Brisbane Airport. Queensland Motorways Limited (QML) is delivering the project on behalf of the state government, in partnership with the Leighton Abigroup Joint Venture (LAJV), through a "design, construct and maintain" contract. In 2006, the state renewed a franchise agreement with QML to own and operate the Gateway Motorway until 2041. The total project cost is $1.88bn, which includes enhancements such as the provision of six lanes on the new section of Motorway and south-facing ramps to Kingsford Smith Drive. A key feature of the GUP is the progressive openings where sections of the project will be opened to traffic as they are completed. This will ensure that motorists benefit from the project sooner than would otherwise be the case, in particular, motorists travelling on the south-side. I am pleased to report that recent rain has had no impact on overall critical timeframes for completion of the project and the GUP is still on track and scheduled for completion by mid-2011. Key achievements on GUP In July 2007, QML completed the upgrade of the Wynnum Road intersection on time and under budget, as a separate early works package. The upgraded intersection provides additional eastbound and westbound lanes and double right turn lanes on to the Gateway Motorway. In December 2007, QML opened two additional (temporary) southbound lanes from the Port of Brisbane Motorway to Wynnum Road off-ramp, and a new Port of Brisbane Motorway southbound on-ramp. The pre-cast manufacturing facility located at Eagle Farm is now fully operational. This facility makes concrete components for the entire project including octagonal piles, Super-Tee girders and match cast segments (to be used on the approach spans of the second Gateway Bridge). Progress LAJV has substantially completed its design works – with only small packages related to the drainage, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) infrastructure, lines and signs and retaining walls remaining. South Early works for noise barrier construction commenced in locations between Mt Gravatt- Capalaba Road and Old Cleveland Road. Works are currently underway to complete permanent lanes on new bridges over Bulimba Creek and Cleveland Rail line. Portable concrete barriers are continuing to be installed along the southern Gateway Motorway to provide separation between workers and motorists. Temporary pavement construction on the motorway in the vicinity of Mt Gravatt - Capalaba Road is progressing alongside the southbound lanes. In March, traffic will be moved on to these completed temporary works to allow reconstruction of the northbound lanes and in the median strip. Traffic switches will occur throughout 2008 to progressively move traffic over to temporary lanes and allow reconstruction and widening of the motorway. North Embankment and bridge construction works are continuing in the vicinity of Kingsford Smith Drive, Airport Drive and Nudgee Road. Piling for the centre pier of the bridge over Airport Drive is commencing soon. The first Super-Tee beams have been lifted into place on the 800m long bridge over Kedron Brook. At the northern end of the project, works are increasingly visible on the connection between the 7km of new motorway to be operated by QML and the existing Gateway Arterial, which is managed by the Department of Main Roads. Soft soil treatments are continuing in other parts of the works through Brisbane Airport Corporation land. QML is working closely with Brisbane Airport Corporation regarding the connection between its road network and the new Northern Access Road under construction alongside Airport Drive. Both roads are expected to open in mid-2009, providing a second, more direct access to the Brisbane Airport. Federal Funding While the Gateway corridor is part of the AusLink network, the GUP is an initiative of the Queensland Government. The previous federal government refused to commit any funding beyond an $8m contribution towards the planning costs. It is pleasing that the new federal government has committed funding towards planning and corridor acquisitions for future initiatives north and south of the GUP. Funding for additional lanes in these sections is the responsibility of the federal government and I look forward to a more positive working relationship in the future. .