Local commuters are no strangers to traffic jams, especially during peak hours. With Brisbane recently named one of the world’s most congested cities, the need for traffic solutions has never been more urgent.
In the 2024 INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard, Brisbane was ranked 10th globally for traffic congestion, making it the most congested city in Australia. Commuters in Brisbane spent an average of 84 hours stuck in traffic last year, a significant increase from the 12th position in 2023. By comparison, Sydney ranked 21st, with drivers losing approximately 64 hours annually.
Experts warn that Brisbane’s rapid population growth and limited commuter alternatives are key contributors to its traffic woes. Dr. Tracy Washington, an Urban and Regional Planning lecturer at Queensland University of Technology, highlights the city’s urgent need for infrastructure improvements, especially with the 2032 Olympics on the horizon.
Dr. Washington points to Paris as an example of successful pre-Olympic transport upgrades. Substantial investments in bike lanes and a new transit line significantly improved traffic conditions, a model Brisbane could follow.
Public transport is another option, with 50 cent fares now underway and Cross River Rail and the Brisbane Metro due to start in the future. But will it be enough to change driver behaviour and ease congestion across Brisbane?
Located in the Sunshine State, it would also seem that Brisbane is the ideal location for improved active transport options.
Let’s take a look at some of Brisbane’s Most Congested Roads
- Gympie Road
Connecting Brisbane’s northern suburbs to the CBD and Sunshine Coast, Gympie Road often feels like a parking lot during peak hours. Key choke points include the Kedron Brook and Lutwyche Road interchanges. - Moggill Road
This westbound route linking Indooroopilly, Kenmore, and beyond is infamous for its slow crawl, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times. Brisbane City Council have been upgrading part of this road but the project is running one year behind schedule and will cost about twice the original budget. Local businesses are suffering because of it and congestion is only getting worse. - Logan Motorway
As a major freight and commuter corridor, the Logan Motorway frequently experiences congestion, especially around toll points and interchanges with the Ipswich and Pacific Motorways. - Pacific Motorway (M1)
The stretch connecting Brisbane to the Gold Coast is another congestion hotspot, especially during weekends and holidays. - Ipswich Motorway
Frequent bottlenecks near Rocklea and Oxley illustrate the motorway’s struggle to handle heavy peak-hour traffic. - Milton Road
This vital route from the western suburbs into the CBD faces regular gridlock, exacerbated by its proximity to schools and businesses.
As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympics, addressing traffic congestion is critical not just for residents but also to accommodate the influx of visitors. These roads and the city’s global ranking on the INRIX Scorecard emphasize the urgent need for sustainable, long-term transport solutions.
Which of these roads frustrates you the most? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
