A new report from RACQ has identified a section of Gympie Road as one of Brisbane’s most congested peak-hour routes, with traffic experts urging immediate action to address worsening delays across multiple northern suburbs.
Read: Chermside Crash: Driver Allegedly Flees After Multi-Vehicle Collision
The affected stretch, between Hamilton Road and Rode Road, spans just 0.85 kilometres but impacts a few suburbs along the busy corridor — including Chermside. During weekdays, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m, the average speed along this section has slowed to just 26 km/h, marking a -31.9 per cent drop since 2019 (with 38.2 km/h average speed)
RACQ’s head of public policy, Dr Michael Kane, said the situation on Gympie Road is a clear sign that urgent planning and intervention are needed. He pointed to the broader implications for the region’s transport system and suggested that solutions such as expanded Brisbane Metro services, stronger links to Brisbane Airport, and better cycling infrastructure should be prioritised.
He noted that while many Queenslanders are looking forward to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, public support will likely grow further if people begin to see lasting transport improvements as part of the event’s legacy.
Dr Kane also highlighted the absence of a cohesive, long-term transport strategy for South East Queensland. He said gaps in the region’s ring road network are forcing excessive traffic into the CBD, exacerbating congestion and impacting both productivity and quality of life.
Read: Enforcement Cameras Coming to McDowall to Tackle Illegal Parking
The latest findings from RACQ add to growing calls for investment in future-ready infrastructure to ensure Brisbane’s transport network can support a growing population and ease pressure on key commuter corridors like Gympie Road.
The report also serves as a reminder that while major infrastructure projects are often planned with future events in mind, it’s the everyday experience of commuters that reflects whether these investments are truly meeting public needs.
Published 14-April-2025