Brisbane is set to get its second road tunnel even though motorists have shown a near total dislike for the first one.

The $1.7-billion Northern Link Tunnel project contract being won by the company which built the Go Between Bridge and Sydney’s Lane Cove tunnel.

Letisha Willocks reports.

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After what he calls an exhaustive process the Lord Mayor today announced a decision on who’ll build the latest edition to council’s TransApex plan.

Mick Power, Managing Director Transcity: “We thank the Lord Mayor for his announcement today, that Transcity has been chosen as the winning proponent for the northern link project.”

The tunnel will link the centenary suburbs with the inner city bypass at Kelvin Grove slashing travel times by up to 66 per cent.

Campbell Newman, Brisbane Lord Mayor: “It’s a very important northern bypass road, going around the Brisbane CBD that we desperately need.”

Cr Newman also announced a project saving of $3-billion.

Resulting in a reduced toll of three dollars for the first 12 months before moving to a maximum $4.61.

But council opposition leader Shayne Sutton says Brisbane residents don’t want another toll road and rejects Campbell Newman’s claims that council has made significant savings.

Shayne Sutton, Brisbane City Council Opposition Leader: “Brisbane rate payers are paying for this tunnel whether they use it or not, that’s our concern today, this will not fix traffic congestion.”

No homes will be resumed for the project but residents who’s property lies above the tunnel will be compensated for the underground space it takes up.

Works are set to begin by December this year, with the tunnel expected to open by 2014.

Letisha Willocks, QUT News.