LNP pledge to fix Gold Coast’s horror M1 interchange after funding deal
THE LNP has committed to fix one of the worst interchanges on the M1 after hatching a deal with the Federal Government.
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THE LNP has committed to fix one of the worst interchanges on the M1 after hatching a deal with the Federal Government that will deliver more than $1 billion in development and thousands of jobs to the city.
Treasurer Tim Nicholls and Transport Minister Scott Emerson will announce the $74.7 million infrastructure project today for Exit 54, which has been in the pipeline for several months and was identified by the Bulletin as a key project that needed to be delivered before voters went to the polls.
FLASH FLOODS STRAND MOTORISTS
NO UNDIE RIDE FOR GOLD COAST
Mr Nicholls said the work would improve safety, cut congestion and allow major development to start — including the Coomera Town Centre.
“We’ve finalised a deal with the Federal Government and developers that will transform the northern end of the Gold Coast,” he said.
If the LNP is re-elected, the work will be funded by the State Government, which has promised $47.4 million, the Federal Government — $10 million — and Coomera Town Centre developers Westfield and QIC, which are providing $17.3 million.
Mr Emerson said the project would go out to tender in coming months and be completed in late 2016.
The upgrade will replace two roundabouts with signalised intersections and include a three-lane overpass.
A loop ramp for northbound motorists will be built to connect to the Coomera Town Centre and reduce traffic congestion at the intersections.
Coomera resident Corina Profke said residents welcomed the promises from the LNP to fix Exit 54 to ease congestion in one of the fastest growing areas of the Gold Coast.
“There is a lot of attention surrounding this promise, so I fully trust this is one they would follow through with,” Ms Profke said.
“My children go to Coomera River State school and we live in the area and it’s very congested because it’s the fastest growing area in the region.
“The minute work starts until the minute the school bells ring it’s just gridlock.”
Ms Profke said work needed to begin as early as possible to allow an easier commute and take the pressure off the road systems.
“There are bigger powers than us who can decide the best way to do that, we just need a resolution,” she said.
“There are so many people trying to use the roads, from themepark patrons and all the schools, workplaces and residences in the area, including those further out at Pimpama who use the Coomera exit.
“It’s just crazy. Often we use the back way through Pimpama if we know it’s busy.
“The peak period in the morning is from 7.30am to 9.30am and in the afternoon it extends from 2pm to 5pm.”
Federal MP Bert van Manen welcomed the deal, which would address major congestion problems.
State MP Michael Crandon said the project would allow drivers in his Coomera electorate to spend less time stuck in traffic and more time at home with their families.
“Locals have been pressing for this,” he said.
Both the $500 million first stage of the town centre and a large residential development located nearby were put on ice because of the badly needed road project.
The town centre will include a large shopping centre, cinema, two-level department store and artificial beach.
The development is expected to create 1200 jobs during construction and 1600 permanent jobs when the centre starts operating.
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