M1 congestion hotspots for 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games

THE M1 will be all kinds of gridlock hell during the Commonwealth Games with only small windows during the dead of the night providing relief, the State Government’s newly-released transport plan reveals. Here’s the hotspots to avoid

The worst time for the M1 during the Games will be in afternoon peak hour from 3pm to 7pm. Picture: John Gass.

THE M1 will be all kinds of gridlock hell during the Commonwealth Games with only small windows during the dead of the night providing relief, the State Government’s newly-released transport plan reveals.

The worst time to even think about trying your luck on the M1 is during afternoon peak hour from 3pm to 7pm.

“Aim to travel either before 3pm or from 7pm,” the Get Set for the Games website reads.

The exodus from Games events is also expected to impact the main thoroughfare from the Gold Coast to the River City later in the evening.

FULL LIST OF COMM GAMES ROAD CLOSURES

M1 SPEED LIMITS WILL BE REDUCED DURING GAMES

“We expect that it will be significantly busier from about 10pm,” the Get Set for the Games website reads.

“The M1 Motorway is expected to be significantly busier than usual with long delays during the busiest periods.” File picture: David Clark.

“The M1 Motorway is expected to be significantly busier than usual with long delays during the busiest periods.

“If you must travel on the M1 Motorway during the busy times you should be prepared for long delays so allow plenty of extra time for your journey.”

The Games transport plan, which was released this morning, advises those driving from Brisbane to the Coast to travel at the crack of dawn, suggesting commuters leave “very early in the morning before the usual peak” or “during the middle part of the day from about midday to 3pm”.

The Commonwealth Games transport plan was this morning revealed. Picture: Andrew Potts.

The website says one of the best times to travel is from 7pm.

The same advice has been given for those driving the M1 to NSW during the 2018 Games.

The busiest sections of the Motorway are expected to be between Beenleigh and Coomera and Coomera and Oxenford from 6am to midnight.

Other hotspots include Exit 62 at Helensvale south, Exit 66 near Smith St and Exit 82 at Robina.

Those travelling southbound from Currumbin Creek during the event can expect to be affected between 3pm and midnight.

Kate Jones speaking this morning as the Commonwealth Games transport plan was released. Picture: Andrew Potts.

M1 GRIDLOCK HOTPOTS:

Beenleigh to Coomera

The M1 will be busy Between Exit 34 to Exit 54 from 6am to midnight, travelling both directions.

Coomera and Oxenford

The M1 between Exit 54 and 57 from 6am to midnight, in both directions.

The same exists are expected to be significantly busier than usual 8am to 6pm.

Helensvale

Exit 62 is expected to be busier than usual all day.

The M1 from Exit 62 will be busier from 6-9am and 4pm-midnight, in both directions.

Southport

Exit 66 near Smith Street is expected to be congested every day.

Robina

The M1 in both directions around Exit 82 will be congested from 9am to midday “on most days” and be busier than usual between 3-8pm every day.

Currumbin

The M1 southbound near Exit 95 will be congested from 3pm-midnight for the entire Games.

Northbound it will be gridlocked between 6-11am and 2-7pm.