Gold Coast M1 traffic: Opposition slam M1 variable speed limits progress

Variable speed limits will be introduced on the M1 to tackle congestion and rein in road accidents. It can now be revealed where the speed limits will be changing along the Gold Coast stretch.

THE brakes seem to be on a plan to introduce variable speed limits on the M1 to tackle congestion and rein in road accidents.

Little progress has been made since the State Government announced in August it would introduce the variable speed limits, following a trial on the Pacific Motorway during the Commonwealth Games.

And the Opposition has gone on the attack, with Gold Coast MPs saying they have heard no more about the plan and demanding that the M1 be widened and an alternative motorway built.

M1 traffic has proven to be one of locals’ biggest concerns. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

In August Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey announced reduced limits would be enforced when traffic became congested on the Pacific Motorway between the northern Gold Coast and southern Brisbane.

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The speed limits would be displayed on electronic signs and controlled by road monitoring services.

But months later, as traffic volumes mount on the M1 for the holidays, doubt surrounds the project.

Gold Coast state MPs say they have not heard any more about the changes since the announcement.

Broadwater MP David Crisafulli says improving M1 infrastructure is the only real solution. Photo: Cameron Laird

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) confirmed that only one Gold Coast implementation was underway – from Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes where road upgrades are under way.

Others will not be completed until some time in 2020.

Broadwater MP David Crisafulli said while he kept an open mind when it came to improving northern congestion, he said a plan to install “flashing lights” would not work anyway.

“A TOTAL COP-OUT”: OPPOSITION SLAMS VARIABLE SPEED LIMITS

“A few flashing lights aren’t going to make up for years of neglect,” he said.

“I’ll always be open to anything that can improve the situation but if the Government thinks a few flashing lights are a substitute for widening the roads, they’ve got another thing coming. “Everything other than a new parallel motorway and expanding the existing one is window dressing.”

Aerial of MI bridge works at Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast

Coomera MP Michael Crandon echoed Mr Crisafulli’s concerns, saying the speed limits were arbitrary.

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“Variable speed limits or not variable speed limits, it’s not going to fix the problem,” he said.

“We have made the promise that if an LNP government is elected we will build a second motorway.”

The Bulletin contacted TMR several times about when and where variable speed limits would be introduced.

A spokeswoman said: “The use of variable speed limits to control and manage the M1 will be progressively implemented on completion of these upgrades and should become operational from mid-2020, pending completion of construction.”

TMR confirmed the Gold Coast locations with variable speed limits northbound would be Yatala north and south, Ormeau and Pimpama.

Southbound locations would be from Pimpama to Nerang, Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes and Varsity Lakes to Tugun.

Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes is currently the only project under construction.

TMR said the rest were “in planning”.

Changes to speed limits were announced after an independent review of the lower speed limits and metered ramping implemented during the Commonwealth Games in April.

Drivers would be told of the speed limits via electronic signs when roads became congested, the same concept as the Bruce Highway.

Mr Bailey said in August he was aware that lowering speed limits to get drivers from A to B faster sounded illogical, but dropping limits produced better traffic flow and fewer accidents.