The Ipswich Motorway upgrade between Dinmore and Goodna is another step closer, with a $92.2 million contract awarded to the project team as an early works package.

The contract provides for vital early works to start on this major project, including the supply of pre-cast concrete barriers, relocating public utility services such as underground cables and sewerage pipes, and environmental investigations. A site office for the project is being established at Chalk Street, Redbank.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, said the Federal and State governments are delivering the Ipswich Motorway solution that the people of Ipswich and south-east Queensland need and deserve.

“Upgrading the Dinmore to Goodna section of the motorway will provide a safer, more reliable motorway with significant benefits for local communities, long-distance travellers and freight haulers, both in the short and long term,” Mr Albanese said.

“A detailed design and construction program is being developed, with construction expected to start early next year for completion by 2012.”

The Australian Government has committed $1.1 billion for the Dinmore to Goodna upgrade. Other Australian Government funding for the Ipswich Motorway includes $255 million for the upgrade to the Logan Motorway interchange and $700 million to widen the Wacol to Darra section to six lanes.

Both of these projects were well underway, Mr Albanese said.

Queensland Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the Dinmore to Goodna project would employ more than 300 people at the site office and about 1000 on-the-ground construction staff during the next four years.

"It is essential that the offices are built now to accommodate the project team when they relocate in January,'' Mr Pitt said.

Other early works include surface and ground water exploration, dilapidation surveys, cultural heritage investigations and mine investigations.

The Dinmore to Goodna upgrade is being delivered by Origin Alliance, comprising Main Roads, Abigroup, Fulton Hogan, Seymour Whyte Constructions, SMEC Australia and Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia.

"This project will involve upgrading 8km of the existing motorway to a minimum of six lanes, with a network of new service roads, new pedestrian bridges and bicycle paths,'' Mr Pitt said.

"Work will include demolishing 17 bridges and building 31 new ones, as well as constructing 70 new retaining walls.''