Southport-Nerang Rd: What do you think?

Designs for a forward-thinking upgrade of Southport-Nerang Road are now on display for public comment.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, said the planned improvements, expected to start by 2009, include widening the road to four lanes at Ashmore between Queen and Minnie streets and to six lanes between Minnie and Hinde streets.

The project has an initial allocation of $38 million.

"The upgrade will cater for not only motorists but public transport users, by building in provision for future bus and car-pooling lanes between Minnie and Hinde streets," Mr Lucas said.

"It's a complete forward-thinking road design plan with better pedestrian and bike paths rounding off the package.

"Main Roads' designers are proud of what they've come up with and we'd like to know what the community thinks.

"We want to get the right result - by putting the design to the community we can harness local knowledge."

Mr Lucas said the designs for Southport-Nerang road would help ease local traffic congestion by more than doubling corridor capacity and promoting more sustainable modes of transport on the Gold Coast.

Member for Southport, Peter Lawlor, said a newsletter setting out the proposed road design had begun appearing the area's letterboxes.

"The newsletter sets out the proposed upgrade and changes to traffic flow, including closing the central median and providing new turning lanes at intersections with traffic signals.

"I've fought hard to deliver the Southport-Nerang Road upgrade and it demonstrates the Queensland Governments commitment to providing vital infrastructure to the region," he said.

Mr Lawlor said the upgrade design can also be seen at four Gold Coast locations.

Ashmore City Shopping Centre, Saturday 2 June, 10am-3pm.

Australia Fair Shopping Centre, Thursday 7 June, 4pm -8pm.

Saturday 9 June, 10am-3pm.

Main Roads, 36-38 Cotton Street, Nerang, 8:30am-5pm.

Southport Library, Cnr Garden and Lawson Streets.

Media Contact: Darren Roberts 3237 1947