Published Wednesday, 05 November, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Gold Coast Highway upgrade delivers travel benefits
The Gold Coast Highway upgrade currently under way between Broadbeach and Miami will deliver significant travel-time benefits for motorists and public transport users, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said today.
Mr Pitt, who visited the site today to meet construction staff and inspect progress on the $12.4 million project, said the upgrade would separate buses from general traffic along the busy Broadbeach section, providing more efficient public transport services for residents and tourists.
"This highway upgrade is a top priority for the Bligh Government to help support the expansion of reliable public transport services on the Gold Coast," Mr Pitt said.
"Stage one from Alexandra Avenue at Broadbeach to Hilda Street at Mermaid Beach has just been completed at a cost of $10 million.
"The second stage of construction now extends the upgrade to Chairlift Avenue at Nobby Beach, and includes resurfacing and upgrades to traffic signals, linemarking and street lighting.
“This is part of the Bligh Government’s commitment to build tomorrow’s Queensland today and provide the infrastructure needed to tackle traffic congestion.”
Member for Burleigh Christine Smith said pedestrian safety along the busy tourist strip was also a key element of the upgrade project.
"The centre median strip along the highway will be fenced to bring all pedestrian and vehicle crossings under the control of traffic signals," Ms Smith said.
"This is the best way to keep people safe. This section of Gold Coast Highway is a heavily trafficked route currently used by about 44,000 vehicles per day – a figure expected to grow significantly in the years ahead.
“These steps will help ensure that residents and tourists alike are kept as safe as possible when crossing this busy road.”
Construction of stage two has begun and is scheduled for completion by mid-2009.
Transport Minister John Mickel said the new bus lanes constructed during stage one of the project were already proving successful.
"Separating buses from the general traffic means faster, more frequent and reliable services between beachside communities and better connections with east-west public transport routes,” Mr Mickel said.
"The bus lanes mean reduced travel times for tourist and courtesy coaches and taxis, and reduced response times for emergency services.
“Smoother traffic flow and greater safety will benefit all users of this busy road.”
Main Roads’ construction arm, RoadTek, was awarded the construction contract last month after completing stage one of the project in September 2008.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Burleigh Electorate Office 5526 6024
Mr Pitt, who visited the site today to meet construction staff and inspect progress on the $12.4 million project, said the upgrade would separate buses from general traffic along the busy Broadbeach section, providing more efficient public transport services for residents and tourists.
"This highway upgrade is a top priority for the Bligh Government to help support the expansion of reliable public transport services on the Gold Coast," Mr Pitt said.
"Stage one from Alexandra Avenue at Broadbeach to Hilda Street at Mermaid Beach has just been completed at a cost of $10 million.
"The second stage of construction now extends the upgrade to Chairlift Avenue at Nobby Beach, and includes resurfacing and upgrades to traffic signals, linemarking and street lighting.
“This is part of the Bligh Government’s commitment to build tomorrow’s Queensland today and provide the infrastructure needed to tackle traffic congestion.”
Member for Burleigh Christine Smith said pedestrian safety along the busy tourist strip was also a key element of the upgrade project.
"The centre median strip along the highway will be fenced to bring all pedestrian and vehicle crossings under the control of traffic signals," Ms Smith said.
"This is the best way to keep people safe. This section of Gold Coast Highway is a heavily trafficked route currently used by about 44,000 vehicles per day – a figure expected to grow significantly in the years ahead.
“These steps will help ensure that residents and tourists alike are kept as safe as possible when crossing this busy road.”
Construction of stage two has begun and is scheduled for completion by mid-2009.
Transport Minister John Mickel said the new bus lanes constructed during stage one of the project were already proving successful.
"Separating buses from the general traffic means faster, more frequent and reliable services between beachside communities and better connections with east-west public transport routes,” Mr Mickel said.
"The bus lanes mean reduced travel times for tourist and courtesy coaches and taxis, and reduced response times for emergency services.
“Smoother traffic flow and greater safety will benefit all users of this busy road.”
Main Roads’ construction arm, RoadTek, was awarded the construction contract last month after completing stage one of the project in September 2008.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Burleigh Electorate Office 5526 6024