M1 safety changes in play ahead of games

The Palaszczuk Government is ramping up its preparations for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) and the 670,000 extra visitors to the region, with temporary safety changes to the M1 rolled out in stages from tomorrow.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said maintaining traffic flow and ensuring the safe movement of road users between Brisbane and the Gold Coast was critical to the Games’ success.

“This is going to be the biggest sporting event in Queensland’s history, and we’re pulling out all stops to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible,” Mr Bailey said.

“In April 2017, the Government announced a suite of temporary initiatives to improve reliability and safety on the M1 during the Games.

‘‘These changes began with the successful implementation of the Trucks Use Left Lane (TULL) on 1 August 2017.

‘‘We’d now like motorists to be aware of the next round of temporary traffic management initiatives set to commence in stages from tomorrow (March 1).”

The temporary M1 management initiatives for the Games include:

• Reducing the speed in the 110km/h speed zone by 10km/h to 100km/h between the Logan Motorway Interchange (Exit 31) to Gaven (Exit 69), northbound and southbound from March 1 2018.
• Reducing the speed in the 100km/h zone by 10km/h to 90km/h from the M1/M3 merge at Eight Mile Plains to Logan Motorway Interchange, northbound and southbound from March 1 2018.
• Temporary ramp metering at the southbound Gold Coast Highway (Exit 62) and Smith Street (Exit 66) on-ramps to keep traffic moving at a constant pace as vehicles join the motorway, from mid-March 2018.
• Additional Traffic Response Units and towing vehicles to ensure incidents are cleared from the M1 as quickly as possible. These will be deployed in stages from today with all units deployed by April 4 2018. The deployment will finish on April 15 2018 after the closing ceremony.
• Allowing vehicles carrying athletes and officials to travel along the hard shoulder of the M1, under police escort where safe and at low speed, if there is severe congestion that may prevent them from arriving at an event on time. This will only occur between April 4 2018 and April 18 2018.
• Speed enforcement measures on the M1 including trailer mounted speed cameras, which are to be managed by Queensland Police Service (QPS).

Mr Bailey said when making the decision to temporarily reduce the speed limit on the M1 and introduce ramp management, the Department of Transport and Main Roads looked at national and international research.

“The research showed speed reduction and ramp metering helps to increase motorway capacity, improve travel speeds during peak times and reduce the number of crashes.

‘‘Variable message signs will be used on the M1 in the lead-up to the Games to increase awareness of temporary speed reductions and prepare motorists for the changed conditions.

‘‘Ramp metering using mobile traffic lights and variable message signs will commence at the southbound Gold Coast Highway and Smith Street on-ramps in mid-March 2018 and continue for the duration of the Games.

‘‘These will only be active during peak times or when required.’’

Mr Bailey said the way people travelled on the M1 would make a big difference during the Games.

“Travel choices during the Games will be crucial to how the M1 operates and performs during the Games,’’ Mr Bailey said. 

"I’d urge anyone intending to travel to the Games to visit the Get Set for the Games website for information on planning your trip.

“This is a massive event, and while we appreciate it will impact on residents, we are asking them to do what they can to help us make these games the greatest sporting event in Queensland’s history.”

Signage denoting the temporary speed reduction zones on the M1 will be installed for commencement on March 1 2018 and will be removed after the Games.

The speed limit on the M1 will return to normal operation on April 17 2018.

TMR has notified transport and freight peak bodies and industry representatives about the M1 changes being implemented for the duration of the Games.

ENDS

Media contact:          Dominic Geiger, 0447355565