Big Build in full swing on Second M1

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The Australian and Queensland governments have been making strides on the Coomera Connector, with major construction milestones delivered across all three packages of the project.

More than 1 million working hours have been clocked by crews on the Stage 1 North package, with some significant achievements reached.

The almost 1-kilometre bridge that spans the Coomera River, Hope Island Road and Saltwater Creek is rapidly taking shape with 350 bridge girders installed and 13 bridge deck concrete pours completed so far.

Further installations will commence from mid-September on the 50 girders required for the overpass and pedestrian bridges over Helensvale Road.

Crews have also been busy laying more than 1,500 metres of asphalt, including the first section of the main motorway alignment near McPhail Road and in areas for future widening around the Helensvale Road interchange and Shipper Drive.

While bridge construction and asphalt laying continues in these areas, work will also begin to ramp up in the next six months for the Coomera Link Road section, where a new signalised intersection will be installed at the Foxwell Road and Shipper Drive roundabout.

Set-up of the site compound on the South package is underway and heavy vehicle access has been constructed at Boulton Drive to allow critical preloading works to start in the coming months.

The $3.026 billion project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, with this investment estimated to support an average of 1,000 direct construction jobs over the life of the project.

Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector is expected to progressively open to traffic in sections from late 2025. The project will reduce congestion through the delivery of a new motorway connection including bridge and overpass structures, shared active transport paths along the corridor and local road connections. By relieving pressure on the heavily congested M1, the project will improve liveability in the fast-growing South East Queensland region.

More information on the project can be found at Coomera Connector | Department of Transport and Main Roads (tmr.qld.gov.au).

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“The Australian Government is committed to delivering infrastructure that builds Australia, and the Coomera Connector is just one example of how we are doing that for South East Queensland.

“As one of the biggest infrastructure investments for the region, the Coomera Connector will improve safety, travel times and transport capacity.

“It will also ensure the viability of the M1 not only from a national freight perspective but also, as an intra-regional commuter route and an integral part of the region’s tourism system.”

Quotes attributable to the Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish:

“The Miles Government’s investment in better transport could not be more evident than it is on the Coomera Connector.

“Our Big Build is all go on the Coomera Connector, and as one of the state’s largest transport infrastructure projects, it is great to see so much construction taking shape.

“There are many areas along the corridor now where significant construction works are underway – building bridges, pouring concrete and laying asphalt.

“The Coomera Connector is generating jobs and improving connectivity in the region, ensuring our state’s two largest cities stay better connected.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm:

“When the M1 is congested, the impact can be felt on other motorways right across South East Queensland. Giving motorists other travel options is one of the best ways we can relieve our reliance on the M1.

“The Coomera Connector will cut travel times for thousands of locals and visitors, so it’s great to be on site today to see the progress being made on what will be one of the Gold Coast’s major road corridors.

“As more people choose to call the Coast home, that means more cars on our roads. We’re committed to delivering the infrastructure projects this part of Queensland needs to improve travel times and remain a great place to live.”

Quotes attributable to the State Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon:

“Anyone who lives on the Gold Coast knows how frustrating congestion on the M1 is, which is why I committed to building the second M1.

“It’s pedal to the metal, with crews in full action on the new bridges for the Coomera Connector and the recent announcement of early works on the Nerang section.

“This is a project that will cut travel time and keep hundreds of thousands of Gold Coasters moving.

“It’s a stark contrast to the LNP who cut $100 million from road projects in our city and mothballed the second M1 when David Crisafulli was a cabinet minister.”

3 SEPTEMBER 2024

MEDIA CONTACTS:

MINISTER KING – LYNDAL CURTIS 0497 847 212

MINISTER MELLISH – LESLEY MAJOR 0419 288 284

ASSISTANT MINISTER CHISHOLM – JAMES LAIDLER 0458 729 475