Pacific Highway M1 road crash record creates concerns for Commonwealth Games access

THE main road artery linking the state to the Commonwealth Games has four times more crashes than any other major highway, sparking fears about the biggest sporting event in the region’s history.

A crash involving a police car and truck on the M1, Gold Coast. Photo: Nine News/Jess Millward/Twitter

THE main road artery leading into the Commonwealth Games has four times more crashes than any other major highway, raising concerns about the biggest sporting event in the region’s history.

Data obtained by The Sunday Mail shows the Pacific Motorway between the Gold Coast and Brisbane experienced more than 450 crashes last year. The result eclipsed nearest rival, the M1 Bruce Highway, which had 120 crashes between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

The Ipswich Motorway had 80 crashes, while the Centenary Motorway had 61.

RACQ spokeswoman Lauren Ritchie said traffic incidents along the Pacific Motorway during the 10 days of the Commonwealth Games “could be nightmarish”.

“If there’s a serious crash when you’re driving to watch an event, there’s every chance you could miss it,” Ms Ritchie said.

“That’s why we’re urging everyone to avoid driving if they don’t need to.”

Spectators have been encouraged to take public ­transport to events, with little parking available.

The Pacific Motorway, with slow travel speeds, has been the worst performer for crashes over the past four years, growing steadily from 320 crashes in 2013 to reach 459 last year.

But Ms Ritchie said that while the results were surprising, it made sense because the highway was Queensland’s busiest road.

Commonwealth Games organisers recognised congestion along the Pacific Motorway as a “key challenge”.

“The safe and reliable movement of athletes, officials and spectators between Brisbane and the Gold Coast is critical to ensuring a successful event,” the event’s transport plan reads.

Aerial view of a multiple vehicle crash on the M1 near Yatala on Gold Coast.

Officials announced several initiatives aimed at combating congestion, including lowering speeds by 10km/h in some sections. Vehicles with athletes in them will be able to use the road shoulder.

More traffic response units will be added around crash hot spots along the ­motorway, with the RACQ making seven available.

However, while crash attendance times should take less than nine minutes, it is unclear how long it is expected to take to clear crashes.

Transport and Main Roads were unable to answer questions about how many tow trucks would be required during the Games, or whether any companies had been contracted for the event.

“As the Games will be held during school holidays, there will be less traffic and measures will be in place to assist with traffic flows along the M1 Pacific Motorway, along with heightened incident response,” a spokesman said.

Originally published as Pacific Highway M1 road crash record creates concerns for Commonwealth Games access