U/C» AirportLink Tunnel + Northern Busway [Bris Connections]

[The Watchman]

It's just a road tunnel. I can't see what's world class about. Decorative orange pylons don't make it special.

[SoulVision]

Compared to Sydney's Westlink M7 Motorway or Northern Distributor from their airport, this in my mind would be world class.

There really is no need for most of those add-ons like the living walls, land bridges, walking and cycling connections, riparian restoration etc. Although if these weren't included, Bris Connections may not have won the project. Maybe we have a higher standard in Queensland than other states?

[The Watchman]

Actually, the "add-ons" were probably pre-requisites in the tender process, at least in Qld anyway. Most large infrastructure projects these days involve some sort of "art piece" or visual element (Gateway, NSBT etc).

[bris-vegas93]

I think in South East Queensland they need to build things that will last longer, for example roads. They shouldn't build a four lane expressway then in 20 years have to replace it. They should build 8 lanes so it will last for at least 50 or more years. Repairs will be needed but it won't be as much as a whole roads system. It may cost more now, but in the long run it will be cheaper.

[Marty_]

Originally Posted by bris-vegas93

I think in South East Queensland they need to build things that will last longer, for example roads. They shouldn't build a four lane expressway then in 20 years have to replace it. They should build 8 lanes

Not really a QLD only issue, but it's what they used to do. The Gateway Bridge/Motorway for instance. When built it was carrying 12,500 vehicles per day. Now it carries over 150,000 per day!!! And it still works! (just).

The bloke who designed the Story Bridge was also ridiculed for including 6 lanes. They reckoned it was a stupid waste. Now look.

It really worries me to see such permenant projects like the NSBT and Airport link with only 4 lanes. I know a leading engineer with ties to both projects and he says the NSBT will be at capacity within a couple years of completion. For $20mill extra they could have had 6 lanes.

We need to go back to the Bjelke-Peterson era of THINKING BIG. No use investing in all this if you aren't planning to do it properly.

Having said all that... I'm pleased as punch that they're actually doing something.