M1 traffic: RACQ analysis reveals sections of motorway ‘at a crawl’

A peak motoring body has demanded money is “put on the table” for vital Gold Coast road projects after revealing the damning results of a study into M1 traffic. WHAT DO YOU THINK SHOULD BE DONE? VOTE IN OUR POLL

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RACQ has urged the state government to deliver the light rail extension south to Coolangatta and fast-track a spate of important road upgrades to ease worsening congestion on the Gold Coast.

The Queensland motoring body has spoken out before the Budget is tabled in State Parliament next week in an effort to “get commuters moving”.

Projects RACQ wants to see prioritised include “congestion busting” works on the Pacific Motorway (M1) and interchanges, the Coomera Connector (or “second M1”), the tram extension to the airport and the Kuraby to Beenleigh Rail upgrade.

M1 traffic southbound at Helensvale at 4.30pm on a weekday. Picture: Nigel Hallett.

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RACQ head of public policy Susan Furze said: “Congestion is well above pre-pandemic levels.”

“It’s time to increase capacity and cater to commuters’ changing travel behaviours,” she said.

“Our analysis of TMR average travel speed data reveals traffic on some stretches of the Pacific Motorway is at a crawl, with drivers travelling at around half the speed limit around Helensvale and Coomera.

“This drives home the need to accelerate the delivery of the multi-modal Coomera Connector to relieve the Pacific Motorway and provide alternative transport options to Gold Coast locals with safer, faster and more sustainable transport options.

“It’s also why funding for the continued upgrading of interchanges and delivery of smart motorway treatments along the Pacific Motorway from the Gold Coast to Brisbane is vital to keep traffic flowing safely and efficiently.”

Artist impression of Coomera Connector at Helensvale. Picture: TMR

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The RACQ wants to know how the government plans to get Coast commuters to make the most of public transport after a drop in use during the pandemic.

“Public transport patronage levels are still around 30 per cent down compared to pre-Covid times,” she said.

“The Government should incentivise public transport and ensure it is fast, convenient and gives value for money to entice people back on board.

“Delivering the Gold Coast light rail extension south to Coolangatta and the airport, committing funding for the Kuraby to Beenleigh Rail upgrade and ensuring all the south east’s bikeways are safe and accessible will also encourage people to get out of their car for the commute.”

Ms Furze and the RACQ want to see “money on the table” to get cracking on the projects “so drivers can spend less time in traffic and commuting and more time with family and friends”.

“It’s time the Palaszczuk Government put the money on the table to get these vital projects underway so drivers can spend time less in traffic and commuting and more time with family and friends.”

The Budget will be tabled on Tuesday, June 15.

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