Speed limits on the M1 will drop from tomorrow ahead of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games

GET ready for a slower run on the Gold Coast stretch of the M1 — speed limits are dropping from tomorrow as the final run to the Commonwealth Games begins.

GET ready for a slower run on the Gold Coast stretch of the M1 — speed limits are dropping from tomorrow as the final run to the Commonwealth Games begins.

Speed limits will fall by 10km/h from Logan to Gaven as part of a range of measures to reduce congestion and prevent accidents during the Games.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said maintaining traffic flow and ensuring the safe movement of road users between Brisbane and the Gold Coast was critical to the Games’ success.

AVOID THE M1 AT ALL COSTS DURING THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES

New speed limits are coming into effect Photo: David Clark

“This is going to be the biggest sporting event in Queensland’s history, and we’re pulling out all stops to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible,” Mr Bailey said.

‘‘We’d now like motorists to be aware of the next round of temporary traffic management initiatives set to commence in stages from tomorrow.”

M1 CONGESTION HOTSPOTS FOR 2018 GAMES

Traffic measures will be in place during the Games. Photo: David Clark

The temporary M1 management initiatives for the Games include:

* Reducing the speed in the 110km/h speed zone by 10km/h to 100km/h between the Logan Motorway Interchange (Exit 31) to Gaven (Exit 69), northbound and southbound from March 1 2018.

* Reducing the speed in the 100km/h zone by 10km/h to 90km/h from the M1/M3 merge at Eight Mile Plains to Logan Motorway Interchange, northbound and southbound from March 1 2018.

* Temporary ramp metering at the southbound Gold Coast Highway (Exit 62) and Smith Street (Exit 66) on-ramps to keep traffic moving at a constant pace as vehicles join the motorway, from mid-March 2018.

* Additional Traffic Response Units and towing vehicles to ensure incidents are cleared from the M1 as quickly as possible. These will be deployed in stages from today with all units deployed by April 4 2018. The deployment will finish on April 15 2018 after the closing ceremony.

* Allowing vehicles carrying athletes and officials to travel along the hard shoulder of the M1, under police escort where safe and at low speed, if there is severe congestion that may prevent them from arriving at an event on time. This will only occur between April 4 2018 and April 18 2018.

* Speed enforcement measures on the M1 including trailer mounted speed cameras, which are to be managed by Queensland Police Service.

Mr Bailey said lower speeds would actually increase capacity, according to research.

“The research showed speed reduction and ramp metering helps to increase motorway capacity, improve travel speeds during peak times and reduce the number of crashes,” he said.

‘‘Variable message signs will be used on the M1 in the lead-up to the Games to increase awareness of temporary speed reductions and prepare motorists for the changed conditions.

‘‘Ramp metering using mobile traffic lights and variable message signs will commence at the southbound Gold Coast Highway and Smith Street on-ramps in mid-March 2018 and continue for the duration of the Games.

‘‘These will only be active during peak times or when required.’’