The Gateway Motorway has topped Brisbane’s lost-load incident count, recording more dangerous debris events than any other road in the city’s motorway network in the first seven weeks of 2026.
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According to Transurban, there were 340 lost-load incidents recorded across Greater Brisbane’s Transurban-operated roads in February 2026, which is a 13 per cent increase on the same period in 2025, with the Gateway Motorway (M1) accounting for 158 of those incidents. The motorway runs just to the east of Morningside and is accessible via Wynnum Road, providing connections to Brisbane Airport, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.
Across the full year of 2025, Transurban recorded nearly 2,500 lost-load incidents on its Greater Brisbane roads, a 65 per cent rise on 2024. The Gateway Motorway recorded 1,220 of those incidents. By comparison, the Logan Motorway recorded 601 and AirportLink recorded 225 for the same period.
In the first seven weeks of 2026, the Logan Motorway recorded 89 incidents and AirportLink recorded 32, compared to the Gateway Motorway’s 158.
The most common hazard categories on the Gateway Motorway involve recreational equipment, construction materials, tyres and mattresses. Transurban incident response crews report clearing a range of items from the road daily, including ladders, boating equipment and building supplies.
Transurban has described unsecured loads as among the most preventable hazards on its network. The company says many incidents result from loads not being properly secured before departure, including straps not adequately tightened or trailer latches not checked. Transurban road safety and incident response managers have urged drivers to check their loads before setting out and advised that company crews are available to remove debris so drivers do not need to retrieve fallen loads themselves.
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Transurban advises motorists whose load comes free to pull over only where safe, such as at an exit ramp or emergency stopping bay, activate hazard lights, remain in the vehicle with seatbelts fastened, and if exiting the vehicle, do so from the passenger side and move behind a safety barrier. Hazards on Transurban-managed roads can be reported by calling 13 33 31.
Published 23-February-2026
