M1 Coomera Connector: $25m upgrade could see gridlock in just 10 years
The M1’s worst interchange is about to undergo a $25 million upgrade - there’s just one big issue which could see it all unravel.
Gold Coast
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THE Pacific Motorway’s worst interchange will be in gridlock again in 10 years, even after undergoing a $25 million upgrade.
A Gold Coast City Council report shows the western and eastern sides of the Oxenford interchange wil be red-lining during peak traffic by 2031.
The only long-term traffic solution is building the $2.4 billion Coomera Connector and a new overpass linking with Beattie Road north of the interchange, it reads.
The report says the $25 million upgrade of Exit 57 will help in the short to medium term. However, it will not address long-term traffic needs.
“It is important to note that other strategic road infrastructure projects proposed by the Queensland Government, such as a Coomera Connector and Beattie Road overpass, will be required to cater for growth and increasing local and cross motorway travel.”
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The Government last month announced it would put the foot to the pedal on the second M1, with consultation due to start next week, design and funding likely in 2022, and construction starting in 2023.
The report noted that the Government and council accepted the need for “more substantial investments on transport infrastructure, such as the Coomera Connector and its supporting network upgrades, and a potential Beattie Road overpass”.
The Government will be responsible for funding a new overpass at a cost of up to $80 million. Council is required to upgrade roads around it and the Coomera Connector.
Area councillor William Owen-Jones told the Bulletin: “The report clearly shows Exit 57 will be clogged again by 2031. That’s why the City supports the Coomera Connector and the State Government investing in an overpass connecting Beattie Road.
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“The maps really show the urgency of building the Coomera Connector, and the roads should never have been taken off the maps by (then Deputy Premier) Jeff Seeney.”
The Government is completing design work on the Oxenford interchange. Construction is due to start before Christmas and be completed by next year.
The council report said the city’s north would face significant future growth with Coomera’s population to grow 18 per cent annually from 13,807 in 2016 to 47,906 in 2031 and 75,606 in 2041.
A new design option approved after Transport and Main Roads officers spoke to council transport staff provides for double turning lanes from Heathwood Drive on the western side of the M1 near the Oxenford Tavern, helping vehicles exit on the highway and head back north.
The upgrade allows for extra east-west through lanes on Hope Island Rd and right-turn lanes on the eastern service roads which will improve access across the interchange.
Once the upgrade is completed, southbound travel time on Heathwood Dr would be “reduced from the current 22 minutes to less than five minutes” with queue length decreasing from 1.5km to about 200 metres during the peak periods.
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