M1 Gold Coast: First look at upgrade of Exits 41 and 49 on Gold Coast stretch of Pacific Motorway

More than $200 million will be spent to upgrade two of the Gold Coast’s busiest M1 interchanges. Get your first look at the designs and new features.

NEW bridges and extra lanes will be created as part of a near-$200 million revamp of two M1 interchanges.

The new designs for exits 41 and 49 have been unveiled ahead of construction beginning on the projects later this year after the Federal Government tipped in an extra $46.3 million to fast-track the project.

BIG CHANGE COMING TO BUSY INTERCHANGE

First look at the Exit 49 upgrade.

The changes will include new bridges with extra eastbound and westbound lanes, improved feeder roads, wider on and off ramps, signalised intersections and shared paths.

Federal Urban Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge said the works would dramatically improve road safety and “bust” congestion.

“These interchange upgrades will mean faster travel from east to west and better protect motorists by slashing the queues on the hard shoulder of the M1,” he said.

The federal and state governments committed $192.6 million towards the project, based on a 50/50 funding share arrangement.

FIRST LOOK AT SOUTHERN GOLD COAST M1 UPGRADE

The new design of Exit 41.

State Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the upgrades would increase road capacity to deal with the area’s booming population.

The project would create 200 jobs, he said.

“We’ve upgraded Exit 54, we’re building a new Exit 57 and these new upgrades will make sure that truckies, tradies and families can spend less time getting on and off the M1, and more time doing the important things,” he said.

Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey (AAP Image/Glenn Hunt)

Community consultation will be held in coming weeks.

Labor Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon said interchange upgrades were among a list of big upcoming projects.

“Our community wants action on transport and roads and that’s why it’s great to see action on these upgrades.”