Gold Coast M1 traffic congestion to ease once ‘hidden bridge’ opened in northern suburbs

An abandoned, ‘hidden bridge’ on the Gold Coast expected to ease crippling traffic congestion has been given the green light. Here’s how it will solve your traffic jam woes.

WORK is scheduled to start next month converting an abandoned railway bridge into a road, dramatically easing crippling traffic congestion in the city’s fast-growing north.

The Gold Coast City Council yesterday said it planned to link Old Pacific Highway and Kosciuszko Circuit in Pimpama.

“It is anticipated that works will commence on the bridge in July 2019,” a spokesman said.

The Bulletin, area politicians, residents and veteran developer Norm Rix campaigned to have the bridge opened after it was revealed drivers were taking up to 30 minutes to snail 2km on Yawalpah Rd.

2024 "TOO LATE" FOR CONSTRUCTION OF NEW PIMPAMA RAILWAY STATION

Developer Norm Rix and State Member for Coomera, Michael Crandon. Picture: Jerad Williams

NORM RIX HAS SOLUTION FOR M1 TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK

Travel times are expected to be reduced significantly once the work is finished.

“We’ve been working for years for this,” said Mr Rix about the bridge, which is adjacent to land owned by his company Rix Developments. “It is wonderful news for the people of the northern region. It’s just marvellous.

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“It’s going to make a huge difference in easing the traffic congestion and is going to relieve the situation of chaos we have at the moment.

“It’s all been down to a victory for people power as there have been a lot of people working had to get this result and the Bulletin is right in there as well.”

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Aerial view of Yawalpah Road, Pimpama, showing where rail bridge could connect to Old Pacific Highway.

Mr Rix said the project would cost $1.5 million and take three months to complete.

Council has earmarked $6.37 million for Yawalpah Rd and bridge duplication works in the next financial year.

“I don’t always agree with the council, but I’m happy to give a pat on the back when its due.

“They’ve done a proper job with this.”

Area councillor Donna Gates said the connection would provide a “huge benefit” to residents.

“Residents of Gainsborough Green will have easy access to the schools in the area and the new district centre.

“It will also offer an alternative t o locals accusing Exit 49via Yawalpah Road.”

Coomera MP Michael Crandon, who last month started a petition calling for the bridge to be opened, said he was “over the moon.”

“We have to remember this was a Queensland Rail bridge and a state responsibility the council has now taken on,” he said.

“This bridge will serve as a traffic solution. The success comes down to the pressure put on government by the Pimpama community.”

Traffic flow expert Damien Bitzios, of Bitzios Consultants, said the opening of the bridge would have an impact for residents but more would need to be done to assist the suburb’s congestion problems.

“The bridge will be useful for more direct local connections but other plans from state and the local government will also assist.”