More than 3,400 tonnes of precast concrete will be lifted into place over the M1 in the coming weeks as part of a $2.3 billion commitment to build a better M1 between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Night time diversions will be in place along a 5.5km stretch of the M1 from Eight Mile Plains to Springwood from Thursday, February 21 to Saturday, March 9 to allow cranes to lift 52 concrete girders and make way for a new four-lane bridge over the M1 at Underwood.
Traffic will be detoured during this time onto Logan Road generally between 9pm and 5am from Sundays to Thursdays, and 11pm and 6am on Fridays and Saturdays during this period.
Federal Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Minister Mr Alan Tudgesaid the new bridge was a significant milestone for the $195.3 million M1/M3/Gateway merge upgrade.
“Major construction on the new Underwood Road bridge – which only started in September last year – will bust congestion and get motorists home sooner and safer,” Mr Tudge said.
“I have travelled around the area, and have seen the M1/M3/Gateway merge project continue to progress it will be a huge benefit for south east Queensland motorists.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the Underwood Road Bridge demonstrated the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to build a better M1 between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
“The heavy lifting of the first bridge girder is concrete evidence of our commitment to reduce travel times for motorists,” Mr Bailey said.
“Moving the new bridge’s 52 girders, each weighing 65 tonne, into place isn’t a small task.
“It requires precision and expert engineering to get the job done and ensure motorists spend more time with family doing the things they enjoy, sooner.”
Federal Member for Forder Bert van Manen said works for this crucial stage had been designed to minimise disruption to motorists during peak times with the hoisting of the precast girders at night.
“Seeing large girders in the air signals we’re making good progress on our goal to open the new, four-lane Underwood bridge to traffic late this year,” Mr van Manen said.
“I want to thank motorists for their patience while this important upgrade is underway and remind drivers to be aware of changes to road conditions.”
Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni said the first girder lift would be a welcome sight for the local community.
“Our community is feeling a lot of relief seeing the next big step in the M1 upgrade being delivered. Moving the new bridge’s 52 girders into place isn’t just a construction task, it marks a turning point in our local history where we can see the light at the end of the congestion tunnel,” Mr de Brenni said.
“The bridge widening follows the upgrade of the Underwood Road and School Road intersection and signals an exciting future for local bus commuters and motorists alike.”
The Coalition Government have contributed $115 million and the Queensland Government have cotributed $80.3 million to the jointly funded project.
