"Back to work": roads to Brisbane airport reopen, public transport still disrupted

The roads to Brisbane airport are mostly open, though public transport is still disrupted as the city starts to get back on its feet.

"We have to get this city cranking back into gear again. It's just as important to the overall recovery in Brisbane," said Brisbane's Lord Mayor Campbell Newman.

Queensland Police Service have advised caution, however. In a statement this morning, police are "urging people to rethink or adjust their travel plans into the Brisbane CBD today due to the anticipated increase in road traffic."

The police statement also advises that heavy traffic is expected in the CBD and that Coronation Drive and freeway exits are likely to be particularly busy.

At Brisbane Airport, airlines are waiving their usual change fees due to the flooding's impact, although passengers should check the end date of the offer from their airline. Australian Business Traveller has contacted all major carriers and has an updated full list of airline change fee policies for Brisbane flights.

Heavy traffic on major roads is expected as the cleanup continues:

• The Victoria Bridge has been reduced to one lane in each direction
• The Inner City Bypass is open, but with reduced speed in the Breakfast Creek tunnels
• Coronation Drive is down to one lane westbound and two lanes eastbound, and is expected to be highly congested today

The airport and Brisbane City Council authorities are directing all queries about specific road closures and conditions to the Department of Main Roads' frequently updated website at www.131940.qld.gov.au

Public transport

Public transport will remain free until Friday, and Queensland Transport Minister Rachel Nolan expects 96% of services to be running.

• Bus diversions on Coronation Drive are in effect
• CityCat and City Ferry services are likely to be unavailable for some time, until new pontoons are put in place
• All train lines are open, except the Ipswich line, which runs only between the Brisbane CBD and Darra
• The new train line from RIchlands to Darra has opened one week early, and includes a 650 bay park 'n' ride at Richlands. Trains will run on a limited hourly timetable

For updates on the public transport situation, visit www.translink.com.au 

Coachtrans services are returning to normal. Coachtrans can be contacted on 1300 664 700 (Gold Coast local call charge) or 03 3358 9700 (national call charge).

Australian Business Traveller's continuing flood coverage

For up to the minute coverage of the flooding in Brisbane and Queensland, follow our @AusBT Twitter account and check back on our homepage at www.ausbt.com.au.

Travel plans around Brisbane or the affected areas? We've contacted all airlines flying to and from Brisbane to find out which airlines are waiving change fees for Brisbane flights.

Will your credit card travel insurance cover changes and lost luggage? Check out our full insurance coverage.

John Walton

Aviation journalist and travel columnist John took his first long-haul flight when he was eight weeks old and hasn't looked back since. Well, except when facing rearwards in business class.