Work is now under way at the Nerang South interchange in order to reduce congestion levels on the Gold Coast. The
Work is now under way at the Nerang South interchange in order to reduce congestion levels on the Gold Coast.
The $45 million project is part of the upgrade of the Pacific Motorway between Nerang and Tugun, which will widen the overpass across the M1 from two lanes to eight lanes. The upgrades are due to be completed by mid-2009.
As well as widening the overpass, synchronised traffic lights will replace the current roundabouts and on-ramps and off-ramps will be lengthened to increase the safety of those merging onto and exiting from the M1.
According to Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt, the staged approach to upgrading the M1 demonstrates the Government’s commitment to tackling pressing congestion and safety concerns on one of Queensland’s busiest roads.
The stretch of the M1 between Nerang and Tugun carries more than 100,000 vehicles each day.
“This interchange needs upgrading to meet the demands of the increasing Gold Coast population,” Pitt says.
The Government expects the upgrade to have a flow-on effect, enabling local roads such as Hinkler Drive and Spencer Road to flow more smoothly.
“On top of the $423 million Queensland has invested in constructing the Tugun Bypass, nearly $400 million in combined state and federal funds are available to upgrade the M1 between Nerang and Varsity Lakes,” Pitt says.
“The Nerang South upgrade is just the start of this.”