Design for massive Brisbane roundabout upgrade revealed

Council has lifted the veil on final designs for one of the biggest roundabout upgrades in Brisbane in recent years.

The design for a $126 million overpass at Indooroopilly has been revealed, with confirmation work will start imminently.

Final changes to the design include new access to Indooroopilly (Central) Shopping Centre and improved pedestrian crossing facilities at Stamford Rd and Coonan St.

The existing roundabout, near Indooroopilly Shopping Centre in Brisbane’s inner west, is one of the most congested areas in the city and has not been upgraded for decades.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner revealed construction of the massive project would commence in the middle of the year, bringing relief to tens of thousands of motorists who use the Indooroopilly roundabout each day.

The roundabout a decade ago. Little has changed since then except for unrelenting traffic growth. Picture: Paul Guy

Early works including drainage and relocation of essential services will start soon and the main construction late this year.

The project is expected to be completed by early 2024, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Information sessions will be held at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre on June 17 and 19.

Federal MP for Ryan, Julian Simmonds, who was pivotal in securing Federal Government co-funding, thanked Council for its involvement.

“With the two levels of Government working closer together than ever before, it is paying real dividends for westside residents,” Mr Simmonds said.

“This long-awaited project will not only get residents home to their family sooner and safer it will create new jobs in our local community.’’

While it will please many people, the project came under fire the moment it was announced from state Transport Minister Mark Bailey and Independent Councillor Nicole Johnston.

Julian Simmonds was pivotal in delivering federal funding for the project. Picture Kym Smith

They were both concerned commuters coming over the Walter Taylor Bridge would be disadvantaged.

Mr Bailey and Cr Johnston have claimed the design prioritises commuters approaching the roundabout along Moggill Rd.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said however that it would provide a long-term solution, easing pressure on the road network by replacing the roundabout with an overpass allowing traffic on Coonan St to travel over Moggill Rd.

“The roundabout is operating above capacity during peak hour periods, with 38,000 vehicles per day to the west of Moggill Rd, 47,000 to the east and 25,000 vehicles per day along Coonan St,’’ Cr Schrinner said.

“These works will improve traffic safety and access for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians connecting from adjoining suburbs to the CBD and broader Brisbane.”

Nearly 400 jobs would be created.

During construction, traffic management plans would be in place to direct motorists.