LNP announce $5m to accelerate work on east-west links in northern Gold Coast

The LNP has made a commitment to accelerate plans for “congestion-busting” projects aimed to relieve crippling traffic congestion on the northern Gold Coast. Full details.

Heavy traffic on Foxwell Rd in Coomera near an M1 interchange. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

The LNP has promised to spend $5 million to speed up planning for east/west links across the M1 in the northern Gold Coast considered vital for tackling traffic congestion.

Coomera MP Michael Crandon and Theodore MP Mark Boothman on Tuesday announced that if returned to government the LNP would provide the funds towards the business case for the project.

It comes after the Bulletin in February revealed that council and the state government were in discussions over potential additional crossings and interchanges along the M1 in the northern Gold Coast.

“This congestion busting plan will address whole of community needs and positively impact local families that spend up to two hours stuck in heavy traffic, rather than at home with their families,” Mr Crandon said.

“This announcement is great news for motorists who want to see solutions for the traffic choke points around the M1.

“Queenslanders are currently paying far more and getting far less under Labor.

“Labor’s failures have overseen $20 billion-plus in project cost blowouts that could have instead delivered solutions for these traffic bottlenecks.”

Mr Crandon said a route from Beattie Rd in Coomera to Reserve Rd in Upper Coomera had been pinpointed as a likely crossing point. “It makes complete sense,” he said.

However he said more would be needed.

“It’s about the whole of the northern Gold Coast, from Exit 57 through to Exit 49 in reality. It’s important that we understand that this isn’t just a one overpass fix,” he said.

“This is a business plan that we need to ensure that the northern Gold Coast can flow freely across the M1 east to west in the same way that we see traffic going north south.”

Theodore MP Mark Boothman and Coomera MP Michael Crandon beside the M1 in Coomera on Tuesday October 8 where they announced a commitment of $5 million towards a business case for east west connections across the M1 if the LNP is elected. Picture: Keith Woods.

Mr Boothman said locals had become increasingly frustrated by traffic congestion stemming from M1 interchanges.

“We are seeing massive population growth with locals forced to use roads already at their limit,” he said.

“For example, Tamborine Oxenford Road is continuing to see large increase in traffic volumes, with current counts of more than 21,000 vehicles per day. Add this to increasing traffic counts on Reserve Road and residents are forced to spend more time stuck in traffic and less time at home.

“It is imperative that we find alternative routes to allow traffic to traverse the M1 motorway, taking vehicles away from our already overburdened M1 interchanges.”

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