Coomera Connector: The start of $2.1 billion big build of the second M1

The promised “big build” of the $2.1bn Coomera Connector project has finally begun, as major works on the arterial road ramp up.

The promised “big build” of the $2.1bn Coomera Connector project is taking shape with a barge being used to secure the critical bridge link across the Coomera River.

Maeve Anne, a 48m long piling barge, was based at the docks at Murrarie in Brisbane before being relocated to help build a 1km-long Coomera River bridge as part of Stage 1.

The barge will be used to build a temporary jetty on the northern banks of the

river, a base for material and equipment moving supplies and workers out onto the river.

The huge cleared area for workers at the Coomera River work site for the Coomera Connector.

Once the jetty is installed, works will start on building 20 bridge marine piles, which

is expected take about six months to complete.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said securing the Coomera Connector corridor had been a top priority for the government.

“The $2.16bn Coomera Connector is the single largest road project in our

state’s history and it is fantastic to see works coming along,” he said.

“We know that the population across the city has exploded, in fact the northern

suburbs is one of the fastest growing region in the country.

Workers near a barge at the Coomera River, part of building the Coomera Connector.

“This is our plan to manage the population growth with bigger and better roads, to

protect the coastal lifestyle that we all love.”

The Maeve Anne will be joined by her sister barge, the Suzanne, to build the Coomera River bridge substructure and install bridge girders.

The barge is equipped with a 250-tonne crane and piling rigs which include

vibratory hammers and a fly drill. A crew of about eight specialist marine construction workers are on board.

The massive work site near the Coomera River for the Coomera Connector.

The Suzanne will also have its own specialist crew and is equipped with a 500-tonne crane.

Boaties will see changed conditions on the Coomera River around the marine construction area, including a temporary navigation channel and reduced speed limits.

The section of river will be clearly marked with buoys to ensure the safety of the project team

and river users.

Major construction on the Coomera Connector started in March and it is expected to open progressively to traffic from late 2025, with planning continuing for future stages.

Work on building pilings for the crossing at the Coomera River for the Coomera Connector.

Gaven MP and Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the piling barge would be a welcome sight for residents backing the M2 build aware of congestion on the M1.

“From major investments in light rail and M1 upgrades to on-demand transport trials

and delivery of the Coomera Connector, it’s the Palaszczuk government building the

infrastructure our city needs,” she said.

“With our city’s population expected to reach close to 800,000 in the next 10 years,

we’re investing more than $5bn in road and rail projects across our city.”

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