Overview | |
---|---|
Location | Toowong – Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, Queensland |
Coordinates | 27°27′47.89″S 152°59′54.17″E / 27.4633028°S 152.9983806°E |
Status | Complete |
Route | M5 |
Start | Western Freeway, Toowong, Brisbane |
End | Inner City Bypass, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane |
Operation | |
Work begun | April 2011 |
Constructed | Transcity – $1.5 billion |
Opened | 25 June 2015 |
Owner | Brisbane City Council |
Operator | Transurban |
Traffic | Automotive |
Character | Motorway |
Toll | $6.60 (car) (2024) |
Vehicles per day | 20,000 (2016)[1] |
Technical | |
Length | 4.6 km (2.9 mi) |
No. of lanes | 4 total in 2 parallel tubes |
Operating speed | 80 km/h (50 mph) |
The M5 Legacy Way (formerly Northern Link Tunnel) is a 4.6 kilometres (2.9 mi) long tunnel linking the Western Freeway at Toowong and the Inner City Bypass at Kelvin Grove, Brisbane. The project consisted of two bored tunnels carrying two motorway grade lanes of traffic in each direction. It opened on 25 June 2015 and is the fourth of five components of Brisbane City Council's TransApex Project. The tunnels will be tolled for approximately 45 years.[2][3][4]
The Environmental Impact Statement was released for public comment in September 2008 and approved in April 2010. Construction commenced in April 2011 with original plans to open the tunnel to traffic in late 2014. It carries approximately 20,000 vehicles a day[1] and has reduced travel time between the Centenary Bridge and the Inner City Bypass by 71%.[3]
The project was funded through council borrowings, together with a state and federal government contribution.