REVEALED: The most ‘costly and congested’ roads in SE Qld

It’s been revealed congestion on major south east Queensland roads cost businesses and the economy a whopping $156 million in lost time and productivity.

The shocking figure was unveiled in the inaugural RACQ Cost of Congestion report today, which analysed the Department of Transport and Main Roads Bluetooth traffic data across 1,328 kilometres of major roads.

It then calculated the cost of congestion per vehicle per hour in loss of time and money.

The report found the Pacific Motorway from Gaza Road to Underwood Road at Eight Mile Plains was the worst drain on the economy in 2019, with an annual average cost of $1,060,187 per kilometre.

“This section was affected by roadworks during 2019, but the Pacific Motorway and Gateway Motorway merge upgrade is now complete and we should see congestion reduce and drivers better able to get to and from their destinations without delay,” RACQ Head of Public Policy Rebecca Michael said.

“Not far behind at just under $1 million was the section of the Pacific Motorway heading into Brisbane City, from O’Keefe Street to North Quay.”

Other trouble spots included the M1 from Days Road to the Coomera River on the Gold Coast and Reedy Creek Road to West Burleigh Road.

Ms Michael said the data showed October was the most expensive month for congestion last year, racking up just under $15 million worth of delays for the month, followed by August and March.

“As expected, weekdays between 7:30am and 8:30am and between 3pm and 6pm were the most expensive in terms of lost economic productivity due to peak hour congestion,” she said.

“In terms of days of the week, costs are greatest on a Friday, followed by Thursday.”