Changes to Springfield traffic flow to fast-track major roadworks
14 August 2023
A Centenary Motorway off-ramp into Springfield will be closed for up to six months as Ipswich City Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) work to fast-track major roadworks.
Exit 32 westbound, taking drivers past the Springfield Central station park ’n’ ride and onto the Springfield Greenbank Arterial, will close on 21 August to allow uninterrupted work on upgrading the single-lane exit to four lanes.
State Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said the closure was vital to fast-track work in a roadwork-heavy section of Springfield, saving months of roadworks and millions of dollars.
“Commuters stuck in daily queues down the Centenary Motorway between Ellen Grove and Yamanto have been telling us for a long time that this section needs to be significantly upgraded to support Springfield’s booming population,” Ms Mullen said.
“The State Government has committed $6.5 million to upgrading this major entry point into Springfield to reduce peak hour congestion and improve safety, and we’re pleased to see this project progress in partnership with Ipswich City Council.
“Once complete, exit 32 will be significantly expanded to four lanes – two lanes turning left, and two going straight.
“I appreciate motorists are fatigued by the amount of roadworks underway in this area and TMR and Ipswich City Council will be working closely to manage the impacts of this closure.”
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the closure would tie in with council’s current expansion of Springfield Greenbank Arterial to four lanes and the replacement of the exit 32 roundabout with traffic lights.
“The expansion of Springfield Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial from two lanes to four lanes is council’s biggest-ever roadwork project and it is vitally necessary we complete it as quickly as possible,” Mayor Harding said.
“Taking this action to close exit 32 will save months in construction time and millions in overall project cost, fast-tracking its reopening.
“Once completed this expansion will significantly reduce congestion on the Centenary Motorway and improve ease of access into Springfield.
“Other options for this major upgrade included partial closures or months of nightworks, both of which significantly reduced the ability of project workers to complete the work safely and on time.
“Council is grateful to be working with TMR to integrate multiple road upgrade projects at once, minimising the impacts on Springfield residents and commuters in the long-term.”
Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee Deputy Chairperson and Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said the upgrade of exit 32 would significantly improve safety.
“Having queues of stationary cars on the Centenary Motorway while trying to merge on to exit 32 into Springfield is not safe and I’m pleased that this project is now underway,” Cr Tully said.
“Ipswich City Council is delivering this exit ramp upgrade on behalf of TMR, in conjunction with Stage 3 of council’s Springfield Greenbank Arterial Road duplication.
“The stage is progressing well but requires the exit 32 closure to progress the works and complete services relocations.
“It will be a busy few months for roadwork in this section of the project, but access to the park ’n’ ride will be maintained throughout the closure.
“Council will also install new traffic lights to replace the over-capacity roundabout at the end of exit 32. These works will begin in earnest once the closure and major exit 32 works are complete, with commissioning of the new traffic lights programmed for late 2024.
“Once all of these are complete in 2024, peak hour travel through this key entry point into Springfield will be significantly smoother, safer and faster.”
Division 2 Councillor Nicole Jonic said detours would be in place with drivers advised to take exit 33 and detour along Sinnathamby Boulevard to reconnect with Springfield Greenbank Arterial.
“I appreciate that closing an exit for up to six months will be frustrating for residents,” Cr Jonic said.
“However, I am advised by TMR and council officers that this closure is the safest, fastest and most cost-effective way to complete this phase of the upgrade.
“Detours and a traffic switch currently in place for the Springfield Greenbank Arterial Stage 1 will overlap with some of this upgrade.
“Council urges all drivers to take their time when travelling through the area, obey all road signs and traffic direction – I want to thank drivers in advance for their patience.”
Further information, including maps and information on closures and detours, can be found at the TMR website and Ipswich City Council website.
Residents can also contact Ipswich City Council on 3810 6666.