Browns Plains to Beaudesert road capacity and safety
The Mount Lindesay Highway is the primary corridor south-west of Brisbane between Browns Plains and Beaudesert. The standard and configuration of the highway is resulting in nationally significant capacity and safety issues.
Most of this 40 km route is a two-lane undivided highway, with only 9.5 km of dual carriageway. There are also sections of the highway that are vulnerable to flooding.
Traffic volumes vary along the highway, but are highest at the northern end where, in 2018, approximately 45,000 vehicles used the highway each day. During the AM peak periods in 2018, congestion delayed northbound traffic by an average of 27 minutes per vehicle. Between 2014 and 2018, there has been an average of 71 crashes each year, including 29 ‘fatal or serious injury’ crashes.
Fast-growing populations in Jimboomba and Beaudesert, accompanied by a growing freight task, will exacerbate these issues if the capacity and safety of the corridor is not improved.
The proposal aims to improve the capacity and safety of the corridor between Browns Plains and Beaudesert. Options to address the proposal could include:
- widening existing lanes or constructing new lanes along the highway
- upgrading intersections
- improving the standard of the highway
- upgrading infrastructure for flood immunity.
The Infrastructure Priority List includes a separate proposal for Corridor preservation for Salisbury to Beaudesert rail connection, recognising the potential long-term transport options to service this region.
Proponent to identify and analyse potential investment options (Stage 2 of Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework).
Refer to Infrastructure Glossary for terms and definitions.