The existing clearway times along Musgrave Road and Waterworks Road, spanning from Red Hill to The Gap, are under review. The initiative is part of the Brisbane Clearway Action Plan – Keeping Brisbane Moving, which seeks to optimise road use and ease congestion in high-traffic corridors.
The current clearway operating times on this route were established over 15 years ago and are now under review to accommodate Brisbane’s growing population and evolving commuting habits. Currently, clearways are in effect between 7–9 a.m. inbound and 4–7 p.m. outbound on weekdays. The review aims to assess whether extending these hours or adjusting the schedule could improve travel times and safety for motorists.
Community Consultation to Guide Changes
City official Adrian Schrinner announced that public consultation on the Brisbane Clearway Action Plan will commence later this February and will be open for six weeks. Residents and local businesses in The Gap and surrounding areas will have the opportunity to provide feedback on how potential changes could impact their daily travel and parking access.
Mr Schrinner emphasised that making better use of Brisbane’s existing road network is a priority, stating that clearway reviews are a cost-effective measure to reduce congestion. Infrastructure Chair Andrew Wines added that the city authorities are committed to balancing road efficiency with the needs of the community.
Why Musgrave Road-Waterworks Road?
With more than 130,000 vehicles using this corridor on weekdays and over 39,000 on weekends, congestion remains a significant issue. Parked cars along the route force motorists to weave between lanes, contributing to delays and safety concerns.
By reviewing the clearway times, the city authorities aims to free up road space during peak hours, allowing more vehicles to move through without disruptions caused by on-street parking. When active, clearways create an additional traffic lane, reducing congestion and travel times.
Potential Expansion to Other Roads
The Musgrave Road-Waterworks Road review marks the first step in a broader plan to evaluate clearways on several major Brisbane corridors. Future locations identified for possible clearway extensions include:
- Bowen Bridge Road–Lutwyche Road
- Abbotsford Road, Bowen Hills
- Wynnum Road
- Vulture Street
- Wellington Road, East Brisbane
- Moggill Road
- Webster Road, Stafford
- Wickham Terrace–Leichhardt Street, Spring Hill
- St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley
- Klumpp Road, Upper Mt Gravatt
The last major clearway adjustment in Brisbane occurred in August 2022 on Kelvin Grove Road-Enoggera Road, where an additional hour was added to both morning and afternoon peak periods, saving an estimated 6,500 hours of travel time per year.
Public Response and Considerations
While clearways are designed to improve traffic conditions, they can also present challenges for local businesses and residents. Some business owners have previously expressed concerns that extending clearway hours could limit customer parking, potentially affecting foot traffic.
In 2024 alone, there were 9,650 instances of motorists blocking clearways, with over 1,660 vehicles towed for non-compliance. The fine for illegally parking in a clearway is three penalty units, equating to approximately $480.
City officials stress that reviewing and extending clearways is a low-cost, practical solution to Brisbane’s increasing traffic congestion, avoiding the need for expensive infrastructure projects such as road widening.
Next Steps for The Gap’s Clearway Review
Community consultation will be open for six weeks starting this month. Residents and businesses can share their feedback through BCC’s official channels, including email, phone, and written submissions. Any proposed changes resulting from the review are expected to be implemented by June.
The city officials encourage Brisbane residents to participate in the upcoming consultation process to help strike a balance between traffic efficiency and community needs.
Published 11-Feb-2025
