M1 upgrade Gold Coast: Big change coming for busy interchange

A major change will be made this month to one of the busiest M1 interchanges on the Gold Coast which will force some drivers to alter their route.

A MAJOR change is about to be made to one of the busiest M1 interchanges on the Gold Coast which will mean a different driving experience for motorists.

The right turns on the western end of Oxenford’s Exit 57 will be removed later this month as part of a $25 million upgrade of the M1.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the change would improve the flow of the intersection.

“Removing these right turns is a key part of cutting wait times for motorists and making the Oxenford interchange more efficient,” he said.

“By removing the turns, traffic light sequences at the intersection can be simplified, meaning more green lights and less wait time for motorists getting on and off the M1.

Upgrade works at Exit 57 in Oxenford. Picture: AAP.

FIRST LOOK AT INTERCHANGE UPGRADE

“Work is moving ahead with a new U-turn facility on Tamborine Oxenford Road too, which will give drivers a new way to access the interchange once the right turns are removed.”

Speed limits on the northbound lanes of the M1 around Exit 57 will be reduced to 80km/h during construction of the northbound off-ramp extension and additional off-ramp lanes.

The upgrade is expected to be complete by September 2020, weather permitting.

Mr Bailey said work would start soon on the extension of the northbound off-ramp.

“The off-ramp works will combine the northbound off-ramp extension with extra turning lanes from both off-ramps,” he said.

“The Exit 57 upgrade is just one of the M1 projects the Palaszczuk Government is delivering to bust Gold Coast congestion and improve safety.

“We’ve got funding locked in for upgrades at Exits 41 and 49, while planning is also underway for Exit 45.

“We’re on track to finish two of four jointly-funded M1 upgrades worth $2.3 billion this year, and we’ve started work on Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector between Coomera and Nerang.”