Gold Coast M1 upgrade: first look at upgraded Oxenford interchange

The design of a multimillion-dollar upgrade to one of the M1’s most notorious intersections can finally be revealed, with the government promising construction will begin before the end of the year.

A NEW design which it is hoped will fix one of the Gold Coast’s worst intersections has been released by the State Government.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey has released plans for the $25 million upgrade of Exit 57 on the M1 at Oxenford.

Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon said the Exit 57 upgrade was an election commitment by the government.

An artist’s impression of how the M1 interchange at Oxenford will look following the upgrade.

“The Palaszczuk Government made a commitment at the last election to get moving on an upgrade of Exit 57 and now we’re delivering with shovels and high-vis on the ground by the end of the year,” Ms Scanlon said.

“The design give motorists and residents their first opportunity to get a sense of what the upgrade of Exit 57 might look like and how it could operate.

“With its proximity to shopping, services and the Gold Coast’s fastest growing residential areas, Exit 57 at Oxenford is a complex and busy interchange.

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The move should help reduce congestion Pic Tim Marsden

“High volumes of east and westbound traffic have been given careful consideration in the initial design plan, as has improving traffic flow and of course road safety.”

To stop ramp queuing, additional turning lanes will be built from the M1 to Hope Island and Tamborine-Oxenford roads.

New on-road cycle lanes have also been added.

“Early estimates suggest the upgrade of Exit 57 will support an average of 75 direct jobs over the life of the project, which is great news for our local economy,” Ms Scanlon said.

M1 EXIT IS ‘OVER CAPACITY’

The Oxenford stretch of the M1 is busy. Photo by Richard Gosling

‘‘Solar panels at the interchange will be removed temporarily to give work crews access to the construction site but will be returned once construction of the upgrade is completed.

“The upgrade of Exit 57 is an important component of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to building a better M1.”

Mr Bailey said the preferred design had been awarded to GHD.

‘‘Exit 57’s final design, with others including Yatala, Ormeau and Pimpama, is crucial to reducing congestion and improving the safety and efficiency of the M1,” Mr Bailey said.

M1 traffic at Oxenford flowing smoothly. Photo by Richard Gosling

“It demonstrates the Palaszczuk Government is getting on with the job of prioritising M1 upgrades and delivering for motorists in one of Australia’s fastest growing regions.”

As the detailed design progresses, specific project inclusions will be decided based on their potential to increase capacity and safety.

View the Exit 57 upgrade design on TMR’s website.