Clem7 tunnel set to open in Brisbane

AUSTRALIA'S longest road tunnel will open in Brisbane on Monday night, promising motorists a quick new way to cross the Brisbane River.

The tollway is 6.8km end to end, and includes twin, two-lane tunnels that are 4.8km long.

It passes 60 metres under the river and the CBD, will speed traffic from Woolloongabba to Bowen Hills by allowing motorists to bypass 24 sets of traffic lights.

Motorists will have 18 days of free travel before the $4.28 toll for cars comes into effect.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman says the tunnel will begin opening in sections late on Monday night.

It's expected to be in full operation by peak hour on Tuesday morning.

The tunnel has four entrances, one northern on Lutwyche Road near the Royal Brisbane Hospital and three southern on Ipswich Road, the Pacific Motorway and Shafston Avenue.

It is named the Clem7 after Brisbane's longest-serving lord mayor, Clem Jones.