SEQ commute times worsen as clock ticks on transport plan
Out of 32 motorway sections monitored in 2025, eight recorded average morning peak speeds at least 30km/h slower than free-flow conditions compared to 16 in the afternoon peak.
RACQ Executive Manager Public Policy Dr Michael Kane said some of the worst delays were recorded on key commuter corridors across Brisbane’s northern and western suburbs.
“On Brisbane’s northside, the Gateway Motorway between Nudgee and Pine River Bridge had one of the biggest speed differences with motorists losing an average of 15.34 minutes each trip during the afternoon peak – that’s more than two and half days per year extra spent in traffic^,” Dr Kane said.
“On Gympie Road, drivers are crawling through the afternoon peak at an average of just 25.2km/h between Kedron and Beams Road at Carseldine – adding almost nine minutes to the trip.
“The Centenary Motorway between the Ipswich Motorway and Fig Tree Pocket Road averaged just 32.8km/h during the morning commute, adding nearly eight minutes.”
Dr Kane said RACQ welcomed government investment in transport infrastructure but wanted funding for projects that formed part of a coordinated, long-term plan and delivered the greatest benefit across the network.
“We know congestion is worsening in and around Brisbane, not only for motorists travelling towards the city centre, but also between the Sunshine and Gold Coasts,” he said.
“This is not just a localised congestion problem – it’s a wider planning issue.
“South East Queensland needs a coordinated transport plan that looks beyond isolated road upgrades and instead, delivers connected orbital roads, public transport and active transport networks.”
Dr Kane believes part of the solution is a bypass for Brisbane’s north-west.
“We need investment in Brisbane’s outer ring roads – a western bypass from Toowong to Stafford and north to Carseldine would help divert traffic around the city rather than along our major arterial corridors,” he said.
“The congestion on Gympie Road also reinforces the need for urgent planning to expand Brisbane Metro services north to Carseldine.
“Planners should also look to improve the eastern and south-east busways, and public transport servicing Brisbane Airport, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, and Logan areas.”
RACQ will continue to engage with all levels of government to advocate for better transport planning that aims to leave a lasting legacy for Queensland.
*Calculation based on approximately 512 km of major State Government (TMR) roads in Brisbane and the Gold Coast during the weekday AM (6-10am) and PM (3-7pm) peaks in 2025. ^Based on 250 workdays per year. **Roadworks may have affected average travel speed. ~ An average of 2019-2022 annual weekend AM peak average speeds has been used to represent a 'free-flow' speed.
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