First stage of Gold Coast Highway upgrade complete
Published Wednesday, 05 March, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
The $22 million first stage of the Gold Coast Highway upgrade is complete, with two new bridges over Loders Creek now open to traffic.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the project was another good example of Main Roads getting in and getting the job done.
He said the 700m upgrade between Robert Street and Stevens Street, provided an extra lane in each direction on one of the Gold Coast's busiest roads.
"Apart from the additional capacity for the highway, the upgrade includes traffic lights, dedicated right-turn lanes and pedestrian crossings at Stevens Street, Marine Parade and Robert Street," Mr Pitt said.
He praised the efforts of Member for Broadwater Peta-Kaye Croft and Member for Southport Peter Lawlor, who were on hand today to officially commission the upgrade.
“Peta-Kaye and Peter identified the need for this project through their involvement with the Frank Street working party,” Mr Pitt said.
“Then they successfully lobbied my predecessor to have the project added to Main Roads’ schedule of works and to get the funds needed to carry out the work.”
Ms Croft paid tribute to the hard work that had gone into the project from the outset.
"Today's opening comes after months of toil, both on the ground and in the planning and design phases," she said.
"The two new bridges have allowed for widening of Loders Creek, increasing the capacity of the creek and significantly reducing the possibility of flooding.
"Recent wet weather threatened to put a dampener on the progress of the works, but the project team dug in and should be congratulated for completing the upgrade in excellent time.”
Mr Lawlor said the project would bring significant benefits to cyclists too.
"The completion of this project isn't just great news for motorists – cyclists will also reap the rewards as well," he said.
"The upgrade has allowed for wider kerbside lanes in each direction, providing for more comfortable and safe conditions for cyclists.
"Main Roads is striving to meet the growing traffic needs of the Gold Coast and this project, combined with the major upgrade of Smith Street, will significantly improve conditions for motorists."
Media contacts: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Ms Croft’s Office 5529 6000;
Mr Lawlor’s Office 5532 5068
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the project was another good example of Main Roads getting in and getting the job done.
He said the 700m upgrade between Robert Street and Stevens Street, provided an extra lane in each direction on one of the Gold Coast's busiest roads.
"Apart from the additional capacity for the highway, the upgrade includes traffic lights, dedicated right-turn lanes and pedestrian crossings at Stevens Street, Marine Parade and Robert Street," Mr Pitt said.
He praised the efforts of Member for Broadwater Peta-Kaye Croft and Member for Southport Peter Lawlor, who were on hand today to officially commission the upgrade.
“Peta-Kaye and Peter identified the need for this project through their involvement with the Frank Street working party,” Mr Pitt said.
“Then they successfully lobbied my predecessor to have the project added to Main Roads’ schedule of works and to get the funds needed to carry out the work.”
Ms Croft paid tribute to the hard work that had gone into the project from the outset.
"Today's opening comes after months of toil, both on the ground and in the planning and design phases," she said.
"The two new bridges have allowed for widening of Loders Creek, increasing the capacity of the creek and significantly reducing the possibility of flooding.
"Recent wet weather threatened to put a dampener on the progress of the works, but the project team dug in and should be congratulated for completing the upgrade in excellent time.”
Mr Lawlor said the project would bring significant benefits to cyclists too.
"The completion of this project isn't just great news for motorists – cyclists will also reap the rewards as well," he said.
"The upgrade has allowed for wider kerbside lanes in each direction, providing for more comfortable and safe conditions for cyclists.
"Main Roads is striving to meet the growing traffic needs of the Gold Coast and this project, combined with the major upgrade of Smith Street, will significantly improve conditions for motorists."
Media contacts: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Ms Croft’s Office 5529 6000;
Mr Lawlor’s Office 5532 5068