Palm Beach M1 upgrade hits major milestone as lanes open

After years of delays, motorists heading north through a notorious road upgrade finally have a clear run, unencumbered by flashing lights and roadwork-induced congestion.

The end of roadworks on the M1 through Palm Beach is finally in sight.

After years of delays, M1 motorists heading north through a notorious road upgrade finally have a clear run, unencumbered by flashing lights and roadwork-induced congestion.

All lanes of the highway northbound were fully open on Tuesday, to the delight of commuters.

Burleigh MP Hermann Vorster said Tuesday’s opening of the final northbound lanes through Palm Beach was a major milestone in the “long-delayed $1.5bn upgrade”.

“(It’s) a welcome relief for thousands of motorists who’ve endured years of congestion and construction.”

Mr Vorster said work was continuing on the last section of southbound lanes between Tallebudgera and Palm Beach.

“We’re advised this should be completed in the coming weeks, weather permitting – and not a moment too soon for local drivers,” he said.

“In addition to the motorway upgrade, locals will benefit from the new western service road between Palm Beach and Tallebudgera, which will provide safer, more flexible options for getting around their neighbourhoods.

“Other vital features – including upgraded entry and exit ramps, new bike and pedestrian paths, and smart motorway technology like variable speed signs – are still being delivered, with the full project expected to wrap up by the end of 2025, subject to weather and site conditions.”

Burleigh MP Hermann Vorster. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Mr Vorster didn’t miss the opportunity to take a jab at the former Labor government, who “originally promised this project would be completed for $1bn by the end of 2023”.

“Instead, it’s blown out by $500 million and at least two years,” he said.

“Southern Gold Coast residents have every right to be frustrated. These delays and cost overruns are the result of years of mismanagement – and they’ve had real-world impacts on daily commutes, local amenity, and family routines.

“My focus now is on keeping locals informed and ensuring the remaining work is delivered efficiently and without further disruption.”

In return, Opposition Transport and Main Roads spokesman Bart Mellish said: “As long serving Gold Coast MP John Paul-Langbroek says the ‘LNP didn’t do much for the Gold Coast’ and this budget once again puts Australia’s sixth largest city into the LNP’s funding black hole”.

“Labor paid for the cost increases on this project instead of cutting it because it is essential for the Gold Coast.

“But now it’s time Mr Vorster to put his money where his mouth is.”

Residents have previously labelled the project a “joke”, with others asking “Does this take first prize for the longest roadworks in Qld history for such a small section of highway?”.

The $1.5bn Pacific Motorway Varsity Lakes to Tugun project covers a 10km stretch of the M1 and began in May 2020.

Originally published as Palm Beach M1 upgrade hits major milestone as lanes open