Coomera Connector: Starting date for work on the south section revealed

The date when early work on the southern section of the Coomera Connector around the Nerang River will begin has been revealed. FIND OUT WHEN

Early work on the southern section of the Coomera Connector around the Nerang River is to start early next year, it can be revealed, as the last round of community consultation finishes.

But Opposition MPs are planning their own meetings with residents, speculating there will be cost blowouts and delays in delivering this section along with the hugely challenging Central one further north.

The $2.16 billion project is being delivered in three construction packages, with work having begun in late March on the Shipper Drive to Helensvale Road North section.

Stage One South — Nerang to Smith Street — has remained in planning until now.

Transport and Main Roads in an update to residents say work will start “early next year”.

This involves bulk earthworks and “preloading” to make the site construction ready at the Nerang River end.

New embankment material would consolidate the ground, which takes up to six months, meaning construction on the South section could start in “late 2024”.

Map showing Stage One of the Coomera Connector, from the South section to Central.

The section connects from the Smith Street Motorway to a new interchange at Southport-Nerang Road, before crossing the Nerang River and finishing at an upgraded intersection with Nerang-Broadbeach Road.

Residents can provide feedback as part of the design phase until December 17.

Gaven MP and Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said she had made an election commitment to build the Second M1 as the massive project would ease traffic congestion.

“It’s exciting to see the southern section of Stage 1 take shape. This project has not only created hundreds of jobs it will connect the southeast — making it easier, faster, and more convenient for people living, working and visiting the region,” she said.

The Southport-Nerang Road intersection with the Coomera Connector, part of Stage One South of the project.

But Bonney MP Sam O’Connor who had a briefing from TMR is concerned about delays.

He said the next section, the challenging central part between Smith Street and Helensvale, was “pushed out from 2023 to 2024 in the last few months”.

Mr O’Connor accused Labor of trying to hide delays by sending out an update

“With price rises in the construction industry at the moment, how much is yet another delay going to cost the project and should we expect further cost blowouts,” he said.

“The project was also $71 million underspent last financial year. Is the $71 million underspend last year another indicator of how after five years they still don’t have this project under control.”

Mr O’Connor urged the Government to host consultation sessions not just in local shopping centres but parks and community facilities.

“People right next to the road in The Surrounds and Arundel Springs are crying out for details about the design and the plans to manage the disruption the construction will have,” he said.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said it was important for the Government to engage with key stakeholders and the community in the design phase, as had been done on the North package of work under Stage One through Coomera.

The Southport-Nerang Road intersection with the Coomera Connector, heading south.

“The southern section of Stage One boasts a shared path that joins with the Central and Northern packages of work,” he said.

“This is exciting for people like me who love to cycle, or those who like to walk or use a mobility scooter or wheelchair. We encourage people to get involved and learn more about the active transport plans and ask questions of the project team.”

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Originally published as Coomera Connector: Starting date for work on the south section revealed