Gold Coast traffic: Gridlock to grow dramatically unless Sundale Bridge upgraded

A shock new report has revealed it could take drivers an extraordinary two hours to travel from Southport to The Spit at peak hour unless a critical road upgrade goes ahead.

GRIDLOCK from Southport to The Spit will blow out to two hours in peak hour unless major traffic upgrades occur, including to the Sundale Bridge, according to a report to council.

Councillors returned to the Evandale Chambers at 9am today for the transport committee to discuss plans for a fifth lane on the bridge.

An artist’s impression of the Sundale Bridge upgrade.

Drivers were experiencing delays of 35 minutes travelling from The Spit to Southport during peak holiday times, councillors were told.

“Traffic modelling indicates that by 2041 travel times will significantly increase and may take approximately two hours in peak times if there is no intervention,” the report said.

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An artist impression showing the proposed Waterways Drive upgrade.

Part of the planned works include adding an extra lane to the Sundale Bridge and an upgrade of the Waterways Drive and Gold Coast Highway intersection.

The scope of works will include removal of the existing pedestrian walkway, safety barrier and street lighting on the eastern side of the bridge.

Travel lane widths will be reduced on the northbound travel lane to provide an extra lane.