Stage one of the ‘second M1’ is expected to boost economic recovery.
Also known as the Coomera Connector, this part of the project, which has been allocated $755 million, will see a 16-kilometre stretch of road built between Nerang and Coomera.
The second M1 is reported to be the centrepiece of the Palaszczuk Government’s $830 million Gold Coast roads infrastructure and jobs package that also includes funding to upgrade Exit 45 at Ormeau, the Coomera park ‘n’ ride and the Currumbin Creek Road/Bienvenue Street intersection.
Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said construction on the second M1 would start within 12 months.
“My government has always delivered for the Gold Coast and today we’re adding to the pipeline of job-creating projects which will fix traffic bottlenecks and support growing communities,” said Palaszczuk.
“This is all part of Queensland’s economic recovery plan to invest in major infrastructure projects and to create jobs to help steer us through these challenging times.
“More than 700 new jobs will be created as we build the second M1, adding to the 1600 jobs that will be supported by my government on the M1 upgrade between Varsity Lakes and Tugun and the light rail construction over the next few years.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, said the project would take up to 60,000 vehicles off the M1 at its busiest section around the Coomera River every day.
“Building the second M1 is not just about improving travel times and providing an important local connection road for residents and businesses on the northern Gold Coast, but it’s also about busting congestion on the M1 itself,” he said.
Member for Gaven, Meaghan Scanlon, said the Gold Coast transport package demonstrated the Palaszczuk Government’s vision for an infrastructure and jobs-led economic recovery.
“Building the second M1 is the next major road priority, with construction of the $1 billion M1 upgrade between Varsity Lakes and Tugun well underway,” she said.