M1 Gold Coast: Major milestone on $1B Pacific Motorway upgrade

Construction has begun on a complex new interchange on the M1 at Burleigh as the $1 billion upgrade between Varsity Lakes and Tugun reaches a major milestone.

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CONSTRUCTION has begun on a complex new interchange on the M1 at Burleigh as the $1 billion upgrade between Varsity Lakes and Tugun reaches a major milestone.

The Gold Coast’s first diverging diamond interchange will see 52 concrete bridge girders installed over the next four weeks at Exit 87 between the recently built bridge piers.

The upgrade will replace the existing roundabout.

Cities Minister Paul Fletcher said: “This is a critical milestone for the 10-kilometre Varsity Lakes to Tugun upgrade.”

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New bike lanes will also be built.

Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the upgrade would include “smart motorway technologies”.

“This technology helps improve safety and stop start travel through proactive management of the road network,” Minister Bailey said.

“We’ve seen its effectiveness in easing congestion to the north where it has already been installed under the M1 North upgrade program.

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“Ramp signalling, variable speed limit signs and traffic cameras will be installed, which will help keep traffic flowing and reduce travel time.”

Mr Bailey said the Gold Coast was one of the state’s fastest-growing regions.

“At times like these we need transformative infrastructure project to cater for future demand on our roads,” he said.

The first contracts for the project were awarded in April 2020.

The major works include widening the M1 from two to three lanes in both directions, extending entry and exit ramps.

The project is expected to create more than 850 jobs during the construction phase.

McPherson MP Karen Andrews said she was pleased with the status of the work.

“It’s been terrific to drive down the M1 and see the great progress being made to accommodate the Gold Coast’s rapidly growing population” she said.

“I spent years advocating for these vital upgrades to improve freight efficacy and commute times. I thank Gold Coasters for their patience as the roadworks continue.”

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Originally published as M1 Gold Coast: Major milestone on $1B Pacific Motorway upgrade