More than one million working hours have been logged on the Stage 1 North package of Queensland’s Coomera Connector, which is set to be progressively opened to the public from late 2025.
The Coomera Connector between Brisbane and Gold Coast will be delivered in three stages – North, Central and South – and cost over $3 billion in total.
The almost one-kilometre-long bridge that spans the Coomera River, Hope Island Road and Saltwater Creek is rapidly taking shape with 350 bridge girders now installed and 13 bridge deck concrete pours completed at the time of writing.
Over 1500 metres of asphalt have also been laid, including the first section of the main motorway alignment near McPhail Road and in areas for future widening around the Helensvale Road interchange and Shipper Drive.
The goal of the Coomera Connector is to dramatically decrease pressure on the Pacific Highway, leading it to sometimes be called a ‘second M1’.
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm says expanded travel options will benefit all road users.
“When the M1 is congested, the impact can be felt on other motorways right across south east Queensland,” Chisholm says.
“Giving motorists other travel options is one of the best ways we can relieve our reliance on the M1.
“The Coomera Connector will cut travel times for thousands of locals and visitors, so it’s great to be on site today to see the progress being made on what will be one of the Gold Coast’s major road corridors.
“As more people choose to call the Gold Coast home, that means more cars on our roads.
“We’re committed to delivering the infrastructure projects this part of Queensland needs to improve travel times and remain a great place to live.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King says the advent of a new freight route in the region is crucial for the region’s road transport industry.
“As one of the biggest infrastructure investments for the region, the Coomera Connector will improve safety, travel times and transport capacity,” King says.
“It will also ensure the viability of the M1 not only from a national freight perspective, but also as an intra-regional commuter route and an integral part of the region’s tourism system.”
Over 1000 direct jobs are expected to be supported over the life of the $3.026 billion project.
For more information on the Coomera Connector, click here.
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