The LNP will ease Ipswich inner-city congestion with a second inner-city Ipswich bridge, committing to accelerating a detailed business case for the project if elected next month.
The second inner-city river crossing in Ipswich will unlock the traffic bottleneck, improve road safety, and provide safe, flood-immune connectivity across Ipswich City.
Shadow Minister for Transport Steve Minnikin said a business case for the second bridge in central Ipswich was part of the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future.
"Our Safer Roads, Better Transport program is about getting Queensland’s busy roads flowing again and the LNP has committed to a business case for a second river crossing in central Ipswich to ease congestion," Mr Minnikin said.
"This is part of the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future."
LNP Candidate for Ipswich West, Georgia Toft, said the project would be a vital congestion-busting move for the Ipswich region.
"Ipswich is one of the fastest-growing cities in Queensland, and the LNP is building the infrastructure needed for our community," Ms Toft said.
"The LNP’s commitment to progressing a second inner-city river crossing is about getting Ipswich locals out of traffic and to where they need to be.
“If elected, the LNP will invest $4 million into a business case for a second crossing over the Bremmer River in central Ipswich.
"Time's up for Labor's expensive failures, which have overseen $20 billion plus in project cost blowouts, that could have instead delivered local infrastructure like a second Ipswich crossing."
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding welcomed the LNP’s commitment to progress a second central river crossing.
“Ipswich is a key economic hub with the highest projected rate of growth of any Queensland council over the next 20 years,” Mayor Harding said.
“Yet residents have been waiting for more than a decade for a second inner-city bridge.
“The David Trumpy Bridge has reached capacity of 40,000 vehicles per day and has been identified as a priority in Infrastructure Australia’s Infrastructure Priority List.
“Ipswich City Council has completed the Preliminary and Strategic business cases – the promise of $4 million in funding to develop the preferred option in a Detailed Business Case is the final piece of the puzzle we need for a second river crossing.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to LNP candidate for Ipswich West Georgia Toft for her crucial support in advancing this project. This commitment would alleviate congestion and keep our city moving forward.” Mayor Harding said.
Ipswich West candidate Georgia Toft said Queenslanders could vote for progress towards a second Ipswich crossing and a government focused on driving down cost pressures, by voting LNP at this election.
"Queenslanders must show Labor the door in 2024, to restore respect for their money," said Ms Toft.
"Only the LNP stands ready to deliver a fresh start for Queensland."