Ipswich City Council has identified the preferred option for the future four-lane upgrade of Redbank Plains Road between the Cunningham Highway and Collingwood Drive.
Council’s Manager Infrastructure Strategy Tony Dileo said the first two stages of the major upgrade project have been completed with the third stage due to commence construction next financial year.
He said stage four is a 3.2km section of road and would see the construction of a new dual carriageway four lane road, including traffic signals at key intersections, pedestrian and cycle facilities and the duplication of the existing bridge over Six Mile Creek. It is estimated that the project will cost about $60 million.
“Redbank Plains Road is a strategically important arterial road between the Cunningham Highway and Ipswich Motorway, and also links the Ipswich CBD to Redbank Plains, Springfield and Goodna,” Mr Dileo said.
“To accommodate the forecast population and employment growth, iGO (council’s masterplan for Ipswich’s transport future) identifies the need for Redbank Plains Road to be upgraded for road capacity, connectivity and safety purposes.
Stages 1 and 2 between School Road and Keidges Road have been completed, as well as the major intersection upgrade at Redbank Plains Road and Collingwood Drive. Stage 3 from Keidges Road to Kruger Parade is currently in detailed design, with early work anticipated to commence next financial year. Stage 4 of the Redbank Plains Road Upgrade will complete the four-lane arterial link between the Cunningham Highway and Centenary Highway.”
The section of Redbank Plains Road between the Cunningham Highway and Newhill Drive also forms an important freight connection as it serves as the primary access to the developing Swanbank New Chum Enterprise Park.