New push to review Brisbane T2 lanes

It has been mired in controversy ever since it opened two decades ago. Now, there are renewed calls to look into the T2 lanes on one of Brisbane’s busiest roads.

Transit Lanes on Waterworks Road at Ashgrove.

The operating hours of the T2 lanes on Waterworks Rd should be wound back one hour in the evening, Labor candidate for The Gap ward, Daniel Bevis, says.

But Mr Bevis stopped short of calling for the lanes to be scrapped.

The RACQ said it supported the lanes but also believed it was time for a review of their usefulness.

It co-authored a study with QUT in 2007 which argued the outbound (evening peak period) lane was not working and should be scrapped.

Usage of both inbound and outbound lanes were very low usage in the first two weeks of the school holidays in December and are still noticeably quiet.

About 32,000 motorists use Waterworks Rd per day, on average.

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Brisbane has two T2 lanes, on Waterworks Rd between Enoggera Tce and Ashgrove Ave, and between Jubilee Tce and Settlement Rd (both directions).

The second T2 road is on Kelvin Grove Rd between Musk Ave and Windsor Rd (both directions).

“The T2 transit lane on Waterworks Rd was reviewed in around 2010 and at that time, the lane was relatively well used,’’ RACQ’s Head of Public Policy, Rebecca Michael, said.

“As some time has passed since then, we call on Brisbane City Council to undertake another review of the usage and efficiency of the lane, while also considering growth and development of surrounding areas.

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Mr Bevis, whose brother Shane also contested The Gap ward, in 2016, and launched a petition at the time on T2 lane operating hours, said the current hours made no sense.

“It is ridiculous that some sections of Waterworks Rd outbound are T2 lanes from 4-6pm and other sections from 4-7pm,’’ Mr Bevis said.

“All sections of the outbound T2 lane on Waterworks Rd should operate 4-6pm only.

“Anyone who drives along Waterworks Rd in the evening knows the peak period is largely over by 6pm.

“It’s unnecessary and confusing for motorists the way it (currently) is.

But Councillor Steve Toomey (The Gap) said he had undertaken community consultation on the lanes, introduced by the former Labor administration.

As a result of public feedback, peak outbound times from West Ashgrove to Settlement Rd were cut to 4–6pm.

“T2 roads are important corridors reserved for vehicles with two or more passengers,’’ Cr Toomey said.

“The T2 lane on Waterworks Rd eases congestion, with the 379, 380, 381 and high frequency 385 bus services using the road during peak times, which helps to get residents get home quicker and safer.’’

Dr Rebecca Michael from RACQ. Picture: AAP/Josh Woning

Dr Michael, said the lanes were reviewed in 2010 and were well used at that time.

“As sometime has passed since then, we call on Council to undertake another review of the usage and efficiency of the lane, while also considering growth and development of surrounding areas,’’ she said.

“We know eligible drivers tend to use T2 lanes when they provide a clear and reliable benefit.

“The location of several bus stops on Waterworks Rd, which take up parts of the T2 network, may deter some drivers from using the lane to prevent being caught behind buses, particularly in peak periods.

“Unfortunately, as the road is constrained by width, options for upgrades are either very limited or incredibly expensive.’’

A spokesman for state Transport and Main Roads minister, Mark Bailey said the road was controlled by the Council and was a matter for it.

What do you think? Should the T2 lanes be removed, or the hours changed?

Do you think all candidates for The Gap ward in the March council election should release a detailed plan for fixing Waterworks Rd?

What do you think should be done to improve the road?

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