New lanes are now flowing freely on Redbank Plains Road, with Stage 3 of the major upgrade officially open to motorists before Christmas.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the final section of the Redbank Plains Road upgrade is now complete, with four newly constructed lanes in a divided carriageway open from Keidges Road to Kruger Parade.
“I am thrilled that road works have progressed on schedule with the majority of the works wrapped up along Redbank Plains Road and Stage 3 of the huge upgrade completed in time for the holiday season,” Mayor Harding said.
“This has been one of council’s major road projects. Redbank Plains Road is a crucial connection from eastern suburbs to Ipswich Central with thousands of motorists using the road each day to drop kids off to school, head to work, travel to surrounding suburbs and access motorways.
“Redbank Plains has consistently been one of Ipswich’s fastest growing suburbs, with more and more people relying on this key stretch of road daily.
“This milestone is a gamechanger for the Redbank Plains community and all those who use the road. I look forward to seeing many motorists benefit from this important project.”
Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said council took over works from Allroads in March 2024.
“Council engaged Dinmore-based contractor NARIC Civil to complete this stage of the project, and they have done a great job to ensure the project was completed on time, with one part opening ahead of schedule,” Cr Antoniolli said.
Deputy Mayor and Division 2 Councillor Nicole Jonic said the City of Ipswich Transport Plan (iGO) outlined the need to upgrade Redbank Plains Road to serve all users.
“The upgrade is a win for the entire community, whether they drive, walk, cycle, or use a scooter. It’s wonderful to see the installation of a three-metre shared footpath and a signalised pedestrian crossing providing safer travels to pedestrians and other users,” Deputy Mayor Jonic said.
Division 2 Councillor Paul Tully said the upgrade was much needed with the surrounding suburbs facing an incredible amount of growth.
“Ipswich’s eastern suburbs, including Bellbird Park, have seen unprecedented growth in recent years. This new infrastructure ensures that the road is futureproofed to cope with the increasing demand for infrastructure,” Cr Tully said.
Division 1 Councillor Pye Augustine said council thanked residents and motorists for their patience during road closures, detours and works.
“We know road works are frustrating at times. Nobody likes detours and road closures, but the end result we see was well worth it. This upgrade will benefit thousands of users on their daily travels,” Cr Augustine said.
Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said this opening concludes Stage 3 of the road upgrade, which started in August 2022.
“Stage 4 will see the section of Redbank Plains Road between Collingwood Drive and the Cunningham Highway upgraded to a four-lane urban standard road in coming years,” Cr Madsen said.
The project was jointly funded by council and the Queensland Department of Main Roads (TMR) Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS).
Read more about the upgrade here.
