Wavell Heights residents are facing increasing traffic delays as nearby arterial roads become more congested during peak travel times, according to the latest RACQ Travel Speeds Report.
The report highlights substantial slowdowns on corridors bordering Wavell Heights, impacting daily commutes and raising concerns about the suburb’s long-term connectivity.
Photo Credit: RACQ
Regional Congestion Worsens, Impacts Local Commutes
Traffic congestion across South East Queensland (SEQ) continues to deteriorate, with motorists now spending up to 30 extra hours in traffic annually compared to five years ago. The RACQ report reveals sharp declines in travel speeds across numerous routes, particularly during peak morning and afternoon periods.
As an inner northern suburb, Wavell Heights sits at a critical junction between local streets and high-traffic arterial roads such as Sandgate Road and Gympie Road. While not directly situated on these corridors, the suburb relies heavily on them for access to major hubs including Brisbane CBD, Chermside, and Brisbane Airport.
Sandgate Road Delays Affect Wavell Heights Travel
Sandgate Road, especially the stretch between Braun Street/Roghan Road and Depot Road, has recorded one of the steepest declines in performance. Since 2019, afternoon peak hour speeds on this section have dropped from 44 km/h to 27 km/h—a 38.6% reduction.
This congested segment runs through the suburbs of Boondall, Geebung, and Virginia, all of which are adjacent to Wavell Heights. Residents heading east or northeast toward Nundah, Northgate, or the Gateway Motorway typically use feeder routes linking with Sandgate Road, meaning delays here directly affect local traffic flow from Wavell Heights.
Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View
Gympie Road Congestion Adds Pressure to Wavell Heights’ West
To the west, the Gympie Road corridor—specifically between Kedron Park and Albany Creek Roads—also contributes to congestion pressure on Wavell Heights. This key arterial borders the suburb and supports high volumes of north-south traffic. In 2024, average afternoon peak speeds on this stretch dropped to just 24.8 km/h.
Wavell Heights residents accessing Gympie Road via Hamilton Road or Rode Road are frequently caught in extended delays. This has a knock-on effect across the local road network, including increased rat-running through smaller residential streets as drivers seek alternative routes.
Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View
RACQ Calls for Broader Transport Reforms
In response to the worsening congestion, RACQ has urged the development of a long-term SEQ transport strategy. Dr Michael Kane, RACQ’s Head of Public Policy, outlined the need for measures beyond traditional road-widening. He advocated for extended Brisbane Metro services—potentially north to Carseldine and south to Loganholme—and investment in cycling infrastructure.
Proposed solutions include improving connectivity between the Centenary Motorway and Bruce Highway, completing missing motorway links, and progressing long-awaited Gateway North upgrades. These broader reforms aim to divert through-traffic off urban roads and ease pressure on suburbs like Wavell Heights.
Local Impact and Outlook for Wavell Heights
Wavell Heights continues to face indirect but consistent traffic strain due to its proximity to both Sandgate Road and Gympie Road. While recent local intersection upgrades (e.g. Hamilton Road and Bilsen Road) have addressed safety, regional delays still ripple into the suburb.
Residents have expressed growing concerns about increasing travel times and the lack of consistent alternative transport options. Peak-hour congestion is affecting daily routines, including school drop-offs, work commutes, and access to essential services in Chermside and beyond.
The upcoming 2032 Olympics has added urgency to calls for improved infrastructure, but short-term relief remains limited. Delays to Stage 2 of the Northern Transitway and the long timeline for the proposed Gympie Road Bypass Tunnel mean that pressure on surrounding roads is expected to continue.
Path Forward
With arterial congestion unlikely to ease in the immediate future, Wavell Heights’ transport outlook depends on coordinated investment in both regional infrastructure and local network resilience. Expanded public transport, active travel routes, and strategic upgrades to road corridors must align to prevent further strain on this key Brisbane suburb.
Published 9-Apr-2025
