A Shorten Labor Government will invest $60 million to duplicate the Linkfield Road overpass on the Gympie Arterial Road.
Currently two lanes merge into one just before drivers turn north on to the Gympie Arterial Road, making it a notorious stretch for accidents and traffic congestion.
The bottleneck has been identified by the state’s peak roads body, the RACQ, as a key priority for government action.
Federal Coalition MPs including Peter Dutton and Luke Howarth have done nothing to secure Federal investment for this important project.
While they sit on their hands and finger point, Federal Labor will commit $60 million to the upgrade, and work with the Palaszczuk Government to get it done.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, said that while the Coalition MPs were focused on their internal leadership brawls, Labor was focused on real action to address the real issues affecting Australians in their daily lives.
“Today’s announcement builds on the record investment in transport infrastructure by the former Labor Government across Brisbane’s northern suburbs.
“This included the Redcliffe Peninsula Line as well as significant upgrades to both the Bruce Highway and the Gateway Motorway.’’
Labor candidate for Dickson Ali France said the project was essential because Linkfield Road was a congestion choke point for people in Warner, Albany Creek and Strathpine, as well as businesses in Brendale.
“This upgrade will mean less time sitting in traffic and a quicker commute,’’ Ms France said.
“Upgrading Linkfield Road will be a game-changer for our community.”
Labor Candidate for Petrie Corinne Mulholland said that while Liberal MPs were fighting each other, Labor was fighting for better, safer and less congested roads on Brisbane’s Northside.
“Mr Howarth has had five long years to deliver transport infrastructure for this community and has failed. Labor will deliver,’’ Ms Mulholland said.
“Federal Labor has a strong transport plan for the Northside, including expanding the capacity of the passenger rail network by investing in the Cross River Rail, which will clear the way for more frequent train services, particularly across peak hour.’’
In addition to the Linkfield Road investment, Labor will also expand the availability of parking at the Mango Hill train station.
FRIDAY, 24 AUGUST 2018