Hope Island Road duplication contract awarded

The full duplication of Hope Island Road at Hope Island is another step closer today with a $17.6 million construction contract awarded for stage two of the upgrade works.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt and Member for Broadwater Peta-Kaye Croft said the contract for the Hope Island Road duplication from Cova Boulevard to Boykambil Esplanade had been awarded to Neumann Contractors.

"Hope Island Road is a major arterial road in the northern Gold Coast region used by both commuter traffic and tourists, and carries about 22,000 vehicles a day,” Mr Pitt said.

"This duplication is essential to improve traffic capacity and safety for motorists and will cater for traffic growth during the next 20 years.

"Stage two of the duplication, between Cova Boulevard and Boykambil Esplanade, will include a new four-lane, median-divided road and two new signalised intersections at the proposed Mervyn Thomas Drive and Crescent Avenue."

Ms Croft said the project also included upgrading the existing roundabout at Helensvale Road and construction of a two-lane service road between the Marina Quays development and Crescent Avenue.

"Work is due to start this month, with stage two set for completion by December 2009, weather permitting," she said.

"Stages three and four will complete the duplication through to Coombabah by 2012."

Stage one of the project was completed in September 2008 and involved the duplication of a 3.4km section from the Pacific Motorway to Gracemere Drive, as well as an enlarged roundabout at Monterey Keys and two new bridges across Robinson Creek.

Ms Croft said the project was part of a State Government commitment to complete the $140 million duplication of Hope Island Road from the Pacific Motorway through to Columbus Drive at Hollywell.

“The Bligh Government is planning for and managing growth by investing in infrastructure. We are spending about $2 million every hour of every day to build tomorrow’s Queensland today.”

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Broadwater Electorate Office 5529 6000