Thousands of new William Jolly drivers spark calls for toll bridge discount - WAtoday

The average number of vehicles using Brisbane’s William Jolly Bridge each day has jumped by more than 5100 in the wake of a permanent CBD river crossing shake-up this year sending thousands of motorists away from the now “green” Victoria bridge.

But commuters shunned the neighbouring Go Between toll bridge in the first month after the changes, analysis of Brisbane City Council and Queensland’s Transport and Main Roads Department data shows, despite a council subsidy scheme for some residents south of the river.

The RACQ says expectations of the William Jolly Bridge taking the brunt of additional traffic had played out, causing “extra delays” for motorists crossing the river and in the surrounding streets. Credit:File

The figures have renewed calls from the RACQ for a better incentives and discounts for the ”under-utilised asset” amid a broader post-pandemic shift towards private transport, with council pointing to a range of infrastructure projects adding to heightened congestion.

After years of warning, Brisbane City Council closed the historic Victoria Bridge to general traffic on January 24 as part of plans to allow only public transport, pedestrian and cycle access to the bridge under its $1.2 billion Brisbane Metro project.

Published On: Mon, 15 Mar 2021 12:00:00 GMT