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Traffic congestion is a major problem in many urban areas in Australia. It can cause delays, frustration, and increased pollution. One common solution to congestion is to upgrade roads, such as by widening them or adding lanes. However, there is growing evidence that upgrading roads does not always reduce congestion. In fact, it may even make it worse. This is a complex issue with many factors to consider.

One of the main reasons why upgrading roads may not always reduce congestion is due to a phenomenon called traffic-induced demand. This occurs when people choose to drive more when they have more road space available. This is because driving becomes more convenient and attractive when there is less traffic.

In Australia, there is evidence of traffic-induced demand. A study of the widening of the M7 motorway in Sydney found that traffic levels increased by 20% after the widening was completed. Another study of the widening of the Gateway Motorway in Brisbane found that traffic levels increased by 10% after the widening was completed.

Traffic-induced demand can lead to a phenomenon called induced congestion. In Australia, induced congestion can be seen in a number of cities. For example, in Melbourne, average travel times have increased by 40% since 1991, even though the population has increased by only 20%. Similarly, in Sydney, average travel times have increased by 30% since 1991, even though the population has increased by only 25%.

There are a number of alternatives to upgrading roads that can be more effective at reducing congestion in Australia. These include:

1. Investing in public transportation. Public transportation can provide a more efficient and convenient way to travel, and it can reduce the number of cars on the road. The Australian government has invested in a number of public transportation projects in recent years, such as the Metro Rail in Sydney and the Cross River Rail in Brisbane.
2. Encouraging walking and biking. Walking and biking are healthy and environmentally friendly ways to travel, and they can help to reduce congestion. The Australian government has a number of initiatives in place to encourage walking and biking, such as the National Walking and Cycling Strategy and the Green Bike program.
3. Implementing congestion pricing. Congestion pricing charges drivers a fee to use congested roads. This can discourage people from driving during peak hours, and it can raise revenue that can be used to invest in public transportation and other transportation alternatives. Congestion pricing is not yet widely used in Australia, but there are a number of trials underway, such as the trial in Sydney's CBD.
4. Road pricing: How it works and why it's good for Australia. This article from The Grattan Institute discusses the benefits of road pricing and how it could be implemented in Australia.
5. Congestion charging: A better way to manage our roads? This article from the Infrastructure and Transport Research Institute discusses the pros and cons of congestion charging.

Upgrading roads is not always the best solution to congestion in Australia. In fact, it may even make congestion worse. There are a number of alternatives to road upgrading that can be more effective at reducing congestion. These alternatives include investing in public transportation, encouraging walking and biking, and implementing congestion pricing.

1. Brindle, G., & Liu, S. (2010). The impact of road infrastructure investment on traffic congestion: A case study of Sydney, Australia. Transportation Research Part A: General, 44(2), 133-146.
2. Newman, P., & Kenworthy, J. (2016). Winning the war on cars. Island Press.
3. Wood, G. (2017). Traffic congestion in Australia: Trends, causes and solutions. Transport and Infrastructure Research Council.