Shovels will hit the ground on the M1 Pacific Motorway Varsity Lakes to Tugun upgrade by mid-2020 following the release of crucial Federal and Queensland government funding this week.
The $250 million in joint funding will pave the way for critical construction that will bust congestion, improve road safety and reduce travel times.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the M1 upgrade would get Queenslanders home sooner and safer.
“It will deliver improvements to the 10-kilometre stretch of the Pacific Motorway between Varsity Lakes and Tugun, including upgrading both the north and southbound lanes from four to six lanes,” Mr Tudge said.
“This is critical infrastructure that locals need both for safety and for reliability.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said as one of Australia’s busiest road networks, the M1 was crucial for the $350 billion Queensland economy and jobs, which is why the upgrade will include more lanes and the Gold Coast’s first diverging diamond interchange.
“Our $2.3 billion program is about supporting the Gold Coast community and economy by delivering infrastructure that connects families with jobs and Queensland goods with major markets,” Mr Bailey said.
“Building a better M1 will not only benefit communities and businesses that use it every day, it will also support our booming tourism industry and create more than 2,000 jobs in road construction.”
Federal Member for McPherson Karen Andrews said the upgrades would support 837 jobs over the life of the project, boosting the local economy and employment.
“We are investing to deliver a world-class M1 that will support our growing population and bolster the economy for years to come,” Ms Andrews said.
“I’m committed to reducing commuter frustration for Gold Coasters, to get them home sooner and safer.”
The project will also deliver ramp upgrades, bridge improvements, pavement construction works and the installation of smart motorways technology.
From the border to Brisbane, drivers will benefit from more than $2.5 billion in M1 upgrades being delivered so they can get home sooner and safer.
The Australian and Queensland governments have committed $515 million each towards the $1.03 billion M1 Pacific Motorway Varsity Lakes to Tugun project.
The upgrade forms part of the Australian and Queensland governments’ jointly funded multi-billion dollar commitment to building a better Pacific Motorway, including the adjoining upgrade between Mudgeeraba and Varsity Lakes, which is set to be complete by mid-2020.
