Double dose of relief for M1 congestion at Mudgeeraba

Premier Anna Bligh today announced funding approval for two congestion-busting, job-creating projects for the Pacific Motorway.

Ms Bligh said the widening of one of the most heavily congested sections of the M1 and the upgrade of the Mudgeeraba interchange, jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments to the tune of $180 million, will improve driving conditions for up to 125,000 cars each day.

Ms Bligh and Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said:

·$158 million had been approved to fast-track the widening of sections of the Pacific Motorway (M1) between exit 73 (Nerang South) and exit 77 (Worongary) from four to six lanes

·the upgrade of the Mudgeeraba interchange would start early next year with a $20.8 million contract awarded to Abigroup Contractors for the project.

Ms Bligh joined State Member for Mudgeeraba Dianne Reilly and Federal Member for Forde Brett Raguse today to inspect the site where the widening works will take place.

“For the thousands of drivers who tackle this section of the M1 each day, relief is on the horizon,” Ms Bligh said.

“These projects are the result of tireless lobbying from Di Reilly, whose commitment to improving the M1 is unquestioned.

“The State Government first had money on the table for these projects in 2005, but we were left stranded by the the Howard Federal Government.

“Just one year into their first term, the Rudd Government has stepped up to the plate and matched our funding commitment for this much needed project.

"With this funding approval, Main Roads can start planning to widen sections of the four-kilometre link.

“This section, between Nielsens Road and the Worongary exit, has the highest 24-hour traffic volume on the entire M1, with 107,000 vehicles travelling along this section each day.

“Also, 18,000 vehicles use the Mudgeeraba interchange. These projects will help eliminate bottlenecks that cause frustration to motorists everyday.

“These works are being funded from the $420 million joint State-Federal package for the Pacific Motorway on the Gold Coast.

"Works planned for the M1 as part of the package include the upgrading of priority interchanges between Nerang and Varsity Lakes as well as interchange improvements at Coomera."

Ms Bligh said the projects will create up to 1400 jobs for the region.

“We know that times will get tougher as the global financial crisis hits home. We need to keep the motor running in Queensland, and to do that we need to keep Queenslanders in jobs.

“In my government’s Major Economic Statement, we committed to our $17 billion building program. This will ensure improved services, improved infrastructure and more job opportunities across the state.”

Mrs Reilly said families and workers would welcome the two projects.

“Improving traffic flow on the M1 is one of my top priorities,” Mrs Reilly said.

“I have actively lobbied both State and Federal Ministers in order to see this project get approved, and I look forward to the project getting underway next year.

"By increasing the number of lanes from four to six on the Nielsens Road-Worongary section of the M1, congestion will be eased, making the drive quicker for mums and dads taking their children to school and for workers traveling to and from their workplaces.”

Sections of the M1 to be widened include:

·southbound from Pappas Way to Exit 73 where the existing motorway reduces from three to two lanes

·the northbound uphill section between Elysium Rd and the Nerang (South) interchange.

Mr Raguse said of the 18,000 vehicles a day that used the busy Mudgeeraba interchange, about six per cent are commercial vehicles.

“Upgrading the Exit 79 interchange will involve building a second overpass bridge, installing traffic signals at the intersection, and upgrading the roundabout to two lanes on a 700-metre section.

“Easing congestion on the M1 is a big step forward for this region, and improvements to the interchange will help improve driver safety.

“Work on the interchange is scheduled for completion in 2010, with the lane-widening of the Nielsens Road-Worongary section of the M1 scheduled for completion on 2011, weather permitting.”

Media contacts: Premier’s Office 3224 4500