Longer fast lane for Smith Street.

Main Roads is taking a stand on Gold Coast traffic congestion with a targeted $9.7 million strategy to complete transit lanes on Smith Street at Southport.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, and Member for Southport, Peter Lawlor, announced construction of the next section of 24-hour T3 lanes on Smith Street would begin next week.

“The State Government is putting in place the physical infrastructure to make public transport and car pooling a more attractive alternative on the Gold Coast,” Mr Lucas said .

“Transit lanes are proven winners in helping buses and car pools steer clear of road congestion.

“The T3 lanes can be used by buses and other vehicles carrying three or more people – it’s about giving motorists a choice.

“On current estimates, the transit lanes are expected, when complete, to shave minutes off bus travel times during the morning and afternoon peaks.”

Mr Lucas said construction work would focus on a 1.3 kilometre section of Smith Street between Geoffrey Avenue and High Street.

“A key feature of the project is the removal of a traffic bottle neck at intersection of North and High Streets.

“We’ll be taking out the roundabout and adding traffic lights to improve traffic flow across that busy intersection.

“The new transit lanes will connect with those finished in June between Geoffrey Avenue and Parklands Drive to deliver in total almost 4.5 kilometres of time saving additional road capacity on Smith Street.”

Mr Lawlor said more than 43,000 vehicles a day use Smith Street and 95 percent of them are private cars.

“By giving commuters real incentives to take the bus or car pool we can make an impact on traffic congestion.

“T3 lanes deliver that incentive, there are clear benefits for the environment as well as commuters.

“A new road surface will be laid at Smith Street, in addition to a traffic light upgrade, improved drainage, four bus bays and the closure of the King Street centre median,” he said.

Work is expected to be finished by early next year.

The Minister has also announced a $5.4 million maintenance contract for Gold Coast roads had been awarded to RoadTek Asset Services (South).

“As traffic demand on the Coast grows to record levels maintaining our road infrastructure to a high standard has never been more important.

“This money is for the upkeep of 280 km of state controlled roads on the Gold Coast over the next year.

“It’s on top of the $2.2 million we’ve given to local authorities to help with the maintenance of council roads,” Mr Lucas said.

Media Contact: Darren Roberts 3237 1942 / 0448 184566.