Tugun Bypass border marker competition – and the winner is…

The $543 million Tugun Bypass is assured of a distinctive and unique border marker, after a landslide vote in favour of the first of three designs presented to the public to vote on.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt today announced the result of a poll on the border marker, with Design One emerging a comprehensive winner.

The winning design consists of layers of off-set boxes, expanding from a relatively "thin" base to a broader 22-metre-high apex and incorporating a twist that allows the marker to align with the border line.

"The results show the public has voted overwhelmingly for Design One – some 70 per cent of the total vote," Mr Pitt said.

"The winning marker, with its triangular and twisting design, will make the most of the sunshine that Queensland is famous for.

"The Tugun Bypass is an exciting project and I'm sure the border marker will provide a standout border marker statement."

Mr Pitt said it had been estimated that the project would save $1.9 billion in reduced travel times and vehicle operating costs and $59 million in avoided accidents over 30 years.

The Tugun Bypass would also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 3.5 per cent by 2017.

"It's fantastic to see the community getting behind this initiative and the Tugun Bypass team can now start building Queensland's newest icon," said Mr Pitt.

"The border marker will be up and ready for all to see when the Bypass opens six months ahead of schedule in the middle of next year."

The three designs presented to the public were shaped by a variety of factors, including height limit requirements of the nearby Gold Coast Airport, road safety requirements and the need for the marker to be in place for the Bypass opening.

The artist of the winning design is Daniel Templeman, known for his contemporary sculptures featuring in urban design projects. Daniel was engaged by Hassell, urban design architects for the Tugun Bypass project.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819 or 0408 701 379

Note: An image of the border marker design is on the Main Roads website www.mainroads.qld.gov.au under corporate and careers/news and events

For a high-resolution image in .jpeg or .tif file format, please phone Main Roads on 3306 7321.