COMMUNITY consultation on the Cunningham Highway – Ipswich Rosewood Road intersection design started last week and will continue until July 10.
“Three information sessions will take place to provide community members with opportunities to discuss the proposed design options with Transport and Main Roads officers,” an unnamed spokesman from the Department of Transport and Main Roads said.
The intersection is the main access point to the Amberley Air Base and is also a major access point to the Warrego Highway from that side of Ipswich and to the town of Rosewood.
TMR has released two design options.
“[Currently] traffic flow rates exceed the intersection’s capacity, resulting in significant travel delays,” the spokesman said.
“Upgrade benefits include improved safety for motorists and reduced likelihood and severity of crashes.”
Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said that he was excited to see progress with work to improve safety at the intersection
“When I was first elected in 2015, there was a BUSINESS CASE prepared by the
Queensland Government for what was called the Amberley Bypass,” he said.
“It was costed at $350 million but unfortunately the two levels of government both Federal and State could not agree on funding arrangements, with the Federal Government offering $105 million less than what the State government was seeking.
“This shortfall would have been left to Queensland taxpayers to pay.
“I approached the Minister for Main Roads and Transport Mark Bailey and asked for an interim proposal that would deal with the main problem, which is the intersection of the Cunningham Highway and Ipswich Rosewood Road.
“Subsequently, in April 2020, the Australian and Queensland governments approved funding for a $1.65 million business case to establish an interim upgrade solution for the Cunningham Highway-Ipswich Rosewood Road intersection at Amberley.”
“Once Community Consultation is completed and residents have had their say about
the two proposed designs, I will be working with Minister Mark Bailey, to have the Business Case completed and submitted to the Federal Government, so work can begin as soon as possible.”
