Brisbane’s Legacy Way Tunnel is open to traffic

An official opening has been carried out for Australia’s Legacy Way Tunnel. The 4.6km route located in Brisbane, Queensland is open to traffic. The construction project was handled by Transcity, formed by Spanish contractor firm 976 Acciona along with BMD Constructions and Ghella. This is the first major project in Australia with which Acciona has been directly involved. The project was awarded in 2010 and cost in the region of US$1.64 billion to construct. It was originally due for completion in late 2014. The tolled route is expected to carry some 34,200 vehicles/day and the tunnel project was intended to cut congestion in Brisbane, reducing journey times between the Inner City Bypass and the Centenary Bridge by 70%. The tunnel features twin tubes, each 12m in diameter. It will be tolled for 45 years, with funding having come from state and federal sources as well as the local council.