No plans yet for ‘nightmare’ roundabout on major Gold Coast Commonwealth Games route

PLANS to fix a horror roundabout on the main road which will get people to a major Commonwealth Games venue are yet to be finalised.

Roadworks are expected to be a fixture on the Gold Coast in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games. Photo: David Clark

WITH just a little over 18 months to go to the Commonwealth Games, plans to fix a horror roundabout on the major road that will get people to the main precinct are still a work in progress.

The State Government is yet finalise the redesign of the roundabout at the intersection of Nerang-Broadbeach Rd and Gooding Dr, where peak-hour traffic jams frustrate commuters daily.

Area councillor Bob La Castra said something needed to be done about the “nightmare” roundabout soon.

“It is just the worst roundabout I have ever encountered and I hope they get the design right this time,” he said.

Cr La Castra said the delay in upgrading the roundabout was frustrating.

“It won’t please the thousands of motorists who use the roundabout every day,” he said.

The Government, council and Games authorities are determined to make public transport the chief method of getting the expected flood of spectators to and from events, but the Goverment has also promised to fix the intersection before the Commonwealth Games.

It is on a major route to the Carrara precinct where the opening and closing ceremonies will be held, and is also one of the city’s major transport arteries for commuters.

The Department of Main Roads and Transport is adamant the roundabout will be completed by the end of next year.

“The design is still being finalised and will be published once completed,” a spokeswoman said.

“It is expected this $8 million project will be finished in late 2017, weather permitting.”

The intersection is the final project on the books for Commonwealth Games transport but will be key to getting many people to the venues.

Other projects in which work is due to start before the end of the year include the widening of Olsen Ave in Southport and building a left-turn slip lane from Kumbari Ave to Smith St.

The contract for the final section of the widening of Southport-Burleigh Rd was awarded in August and construction is continuing.

While plans are in place for road upgrades, the Government remains tight-lipped about its overall public transport plan, despite it being the main way of shifting spectators to and from Games venues.

“Strategies are currently being developed for additional passenger transport services, to enhance and strengthen transport co-ordination and existing rail and bus services, deliver effective park ‘n’ ride facilities and improve the road network,” the spokeswoman said.

Public transport is expected to be free for ticketholders within designated areas, similar to how the system works for football matches.

A draft plan for public transport is expected to be released before the end of the year.