Why the blueprint for this Brisbane street could fix congestion

A congested inner-Brisbane road would be transformed into a vibrant subtropical destination with fewer car parks and dedicated bus lanes under a blueprint released this week.

And an expert says the approach could make a huge difference to travel times if rolled out to more Brisbane suburbs.

A Brisbane City Council and Queensland government draft transport study reveals a vision for Montague Road in West End with dedicated bus lanes supporting high-frequency bus services, and better paths with shady trees, making it an “enjoyable place to walk, ride and rest”.

A transport study for Montague Road at West End has proposed dedicated bus lanes to lessen congestion.Credit: Felicity Caldwell

The paper says it aims to increase walking, cycling and e-scooter trips by providing quality facilities that connect to the CBD and bridges – although most of the proposed cycling changes include shared paths with pedestrians.

Car travel on Montague Road would be prioritised over on-road car parks.

“Creating space for buses and people riding bikes helps to rebalance the road and share the network resources,” the study says.

“People who need to drive can do so, while attractive options are available for more people to switch short trips to active and public transport modes.”

Griffith University’s Professor Matthew Burke said more dedicated bus lanes across Brisbane could make a huge difference to congestion, pointing to lanes on Mains Road at Robertson that had sped up trips dramatically.

“This is not just a problem for West End. This is a problem for much of inner-city Brisbane, that far too many of our suburban buses are stuck behind single-occupant cars,” he said.

Between Orleigh Street and Ferry Road, a dedicated bus lane would run inbound, and there would be more shade on the shared path, while planners would investigate ways to “better align” nearby Hardgrave Road to its role as a primary cycle route.

On the Orleigh Street to Ferry Road section, there would be an inbound bus lane, but the existing corridor width would be preserved and a shared path would be continued.Credit: Felicity Caldwell

Between Ferry Road and Vulture Street, bus lanes would run inbound and outbound, intersections would be improved with upgraded signals and turning movements, more shade and “placemaking”, and there would be a shared path for walking and riding bikes, while nearby Riverside Drive supported “higher speed” travellers.

Between Vulture Street and Stanley Place – and particularly on the stretch from Vulture Street to Mollison Street – there would be inbound and outbound bus lanes, upgraded intersections, and a wider corridor providing more space for pathways.

Driveways and parking on this section could be moved to side streets and off-street, with car sharing options embraced, and subtropical plants to reduce heat islands.

A graphic shows separated bike and e-scooter lanes from Vulture Street to Mollison Street, and photos of examples from other parts of Brisbane show separated bike lanes and raised wombat pedestrian crossings, with a disclaimer the images are “indicative only”.

An indicative graphic shows separated bike and e-scooter lanes from Vulture Street to Mollison Street.Credit: Montague road draft transport study

But the study does not specifically recommend separated bike lanes.

It says an opportunity for Vulture Street to Mollison Street includes “creating space for sustainable transportation modes, such as walking, public transport, e-mobility devices, and cycling”.

West End has experienced rapid population growth in recent decades with the construction of apartment blocks.

More than 16,000 vehicles a weekday use Montague Road in the central and northern sections, and 339 bus services run daily on weekdays.

West End also has one of the highest levels of active commutes in Brisbane – about 20 per cent.

Previous community feedback indicated support for leaving the car at home, improving safety, particularly for people walking and riding, and using public and active transport, the study says.

People wanted more pedestrian crossings, dedicated cycle paths, reduced speed limits and shade.

Councillor Trina Massey said planners should listen to residents, who wanted separated spaces for pedestrians, bikes and e-scooters, and cars.

“The failure to include separated protected bike lanes is short-sighted – the key for the cycling network is connectivity and safety for walkers, e-scooters and bike users alike.”

Feedback on the draft transport study closes on December 15.

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