CONFUSION over a new off-ramp to the Gateway Motorway has caused congestion chaos for northbound motorists on the Mount Lindesay Highway.
Transurban opened the new overpass to the Logan Motorway and Gateway Motorway about 250 metres south of the now closed northbound loop on Monday, March 11 as part of the Logan Enhancement Project.
Motorists traveling to the Logan or Gateway Motorway are now required to take the Ipswich exit and stay in the right two lanes.
Those unaware of the change and who missed their exit took u-turns on Illaweena Street.
Commuters were backed up more than two kilometres on the highway at the turn into Illaweena Street during peak hour time on Monday morning.
RACQ spokesperson Lucinda Ross said the recent congestion issues were short-term pain for long-term gain.
"The delays we've seen in the past few days are frustrating, but if drivers are looking to turn onto the Gateway or Logan motorways, they should be patient, plan ahead and look for new directional exit signs," she said.
"The new northbound exit off the Mount Lindesay highway is now 250 metres south of where it once was, so keep an eye out for the new earlier exit points so you don't end up in banked up traffic at Illaweena Street.
"This road has been a major choke point for years but the new ramps, when complete, will change that."
Logan MP Linus Power conceded peak hour traffic was a painful time for northbound motorists but said normality should return after the first week.
"There is no doubt that when people use the right exit traffic will move a lot smoother and faster.
"If you are travelling from Jimboomba through Browns Plains go as if you are going on the Ipswich exit…exit early and stay on the two right hand lanes.
"That way you can go over the overpass turn under the Mount Lindesay Highway and travel all the way on a separate service road to the Gateway Motorway."
Traffic delays extended to Boronia Heights at 8am on Tuesday morning.
