Tugun Bypass to open

TUGUN: The Tugun Bypass will open to traffic on June 2 – more than six months ahead of schedule, Acting Premier Paul Lucas said today.

Mr Lucas joined Queensland Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt and Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, to inspect work on the project today.

“In less than two months the traffic gridlock that is the existing highway through Tugun will be relegated to history,” Mr Lucas said.

“I’m very proud of all the infrastructure we’re delivering right across Queensland but it’s no secret how passionate I am about this road in particular.

“Getting this bypass built was one of my top priorities when I became roads minister in 2004 and it’s terrific to see how it has taken shape.

“At the time, I sat down with residents concerned about a possible eastern route for the road and told them I would work my hardest to ensure the bypass was built on the western alignment instead.

“That’s why I'm even more delighted to announce that, barring unforeseen bad weather, the bypass will open in the first week of June and provide a new and convenient link between the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales.

“No longer is this about the light at the end of the tunnel; now it’s about cars driving through it. It’s just one part of the almost $1 billion the State Government is spending on Gold Coast roads this and next financial year.”

The bypass will be opened to traffic during the middle of the day to avoid peak traffic periods. The 7km road connects the Stewart Rd interchange at Currumbin with the Tweed Heads Bypass in NSW. Traffic modelling shows about 46,000 vehicles will use the bypass each day, reducing existing traffic along the Gold Coast Highway by up to 55%. The bypass will cut travel times between Currumbin and Tweed Heads to five minutes.

The four-lane road cost $543 million, with $120 million being provided by the Federal Government and $423 million from the Queensland Government.

Mr Albanese said the travelling public would be able to gain an immediate appreciation for the benefits provided by the bypass, during a traditionally busy time for Gold Coast roads.

“It's a tribute to the dedication of project staff that this road will open six months ahead of schedule, in time for the Queen's Birthday long weekend and mid-year school holidays,” Mr Albanese said.

“Drivers who are used to taking the existing highway route at this time of year will relish the reduction in travel times.

“It is estimated the bypass will save $1.9 billion in reduced travel times and vehicle operating costs and $59 million in avoided accidents over 30 years, as well as reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 3.5 per cent by 2017.

“The Rudd Labor Government recognises the crucial role transport infrastructure is playing in the economic development of the Gold Coast and northern NSW. That’s why we will invest a further $1.4 billion over the next few years into the region’s major road network.”

Mr Pitt said locals would be able to preview the bypass before motorists, courtesy of a community access day scheduled for Sunday, June 1.

“Community interest in the bypass has always been strong and this day will give the people of the Gold Coast and the Tweed a once-in-a-lifetime chance to walk, run or ride on this magnificent piece of road,” Mr Pitt said.

“There will be something for everyone on the day, with a Tour de Tugun bike race early in the morning, bus tours through the tunnel, entertainment, rides, children's activities and, of course, plenty of information about the bypass itself.

“Entry to the event will be free but gold-coin donations will be accepted for the project's nominated charities – Camp Quality and Queensland Careflight.”

The trio also inspected the urban design features associated with the bypass's noise and retaining walls, and previewed the 20m high marker that will designate the Queensland and New South Wales border.

Mr Pitt said to enable the finalisation of construction works at the Stewart Road interchange, changes will be made to existing traffic configurations from April 29. The changes will involve the decommissioning of the northbound loop, so that the new Stewart Road off-ramp from the bypass can be constructed.

“We ask that motorists observe revised speed limits during this time and, if possible, we recommend using an alternative route,” Mr Pitt said.

"I’d like to make it very clear that it will cause some traffic delays while the Stewart Road interchange is completed. But these will be minor compared with the benefits that the bypass will deliver for the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales.

“I appreciate the patience of motorists during the delays but it will be worth it.”

Media contacts:
Acting Premier’s Office: Robert Hoge 0419 757 868
Minister Pitt’s Office: 3227 8819
Minister Albanese’s Office: Jeff Singleton 0410 476 890