M1 upgrade could see 10-lane-wide highway in trouble spot as State Government finds share of the funding

A NEW-look section of the M1 could see a 10-lane-wide highway plus a busway extension to Springwood, the Albert and Logan News can reveal.

QLD_CM_NEWS_PARLIAMENT_2JUN15

A NEW-look section of the M1 could see a 10-lane-wide highway plus a busway extension to Springwood, the Albert and Logan News can reveal.

The M1 upgrade taskforce will meet on Thursday morning to discuss progress towards finalising a business plan which must be established if the Federal Government is to consider paying its way in an estimated $1 billion project to widen a key 4km stretch of the highway.

Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen said he was seeking a 50-50 costing split with the State Government to fund a business plan looking into M1 improvements from Eight Mile Plains to the New South Wales border.

He said Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss had met with State Transport Minister Mark Bailey requesting shared costing because that was a “common funding model’’ for the three previous works on the M1.

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However, Springwood state Labor MP Mr de Brenni said “we have committed our 20 per cent share of the business case to progress towards a project that could mean an eventual $200 million investment.’’

“The parties are some way off being able to commit to full project investment before we have even completed a business case to see if the project will actually deliver what is needed — less congestion and a safer road.

“We have written to the Federal Government pledging our share of the $20 million business case.”

He said the State Government was prepared to pay 20 per cent of the cost.

“The Queensland Government can’t move forward without this partnership from the Federal ­Government.

“The road is part of the National Land Transport Network. The Federal Government has to be on board.”

A 4km M1 stretch between Eight Mile Plains and the Rochedale Rd exit was initial the priority.

One suggestion is the M1 could be widened to 10 lanes with a busway extension into Springwood.

While Mr Brenni could not confirm this, he said: “The plan includes several possible models that include additional lanes and a busway extension. The busway would effectively be part of the Underwood Rd overpass; however, that bridge requires duplication to proceed with extra lanes underneath.”