“Frank Street” stage of Gold Coast Highway upgrade starts

The $154 million Gold Coast Highway upgrade will enter its second stage today with works beginning on construction between Robert and Broad streets, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt and Member for Broadwater Peta-Kaye Croft said today.

Mr Pitt said the $11.6 million stage two works were part of an overall project to upgrade the Gold Coast Highway to four lanes between Government Road and Stevens Street.

“This section of the highway, known locally as Frank Street, is a major arterial road linking Helensvale and Southport and carries close to 25,000 vehicles per day, much of which is commuter and tourist traffic,” Mr Pitt said.

“This upgrade will maximise the capacity of this important transport corridor, improving traffic flow and reducing congestion between the Pacific Motorway and coastal communities.”

Ms Croft said a total of 90 contractor and sub contractor jobs were expected to be created during stage two of the project.

“Stage two involves widening a 1.3-kilometre stretch of the highway to four lanes and creating T2 transit lanes in the outer lanes in both directions which had formerly been used for street parking, however additional parking is available in adjacent side streets,” Ms Croft said.

“The T2 transit lanes will operate similarly to the new T3 lanes on Smith Street, with added convenience for motorists as they will only require two passengers per vehicle to be able to use them,” she said.

Ms Croft said studies found 40 per cent of vehicles already contained two or more occupants on weekdays and this figure rose to 50-60 per cent on weekends.

“Once constructed the T2 lanes will provide travel efficiency and time benefits for many motorists who use the Gold Coast Highway through Labrador,” Ms Croft said.

“The construction of indented bus bays near Broad, Whiting and Central streets will also provide safer passenger access as well helping to keep traffic flowing in the T2 lanes.

“Businesses have the advantage of a dedicated bus stop that can deliver people to their doorstep, in increasing numbers as public transport usage grows.”

Ms Croft said construction of a central median island between Robert and Broad streets, would also improve safety by preventing vehicles from turning right against oncoming traffic.

“This stage of the upgrade includes a new signalised intersection at Whiting Street which will allow motorists to make safer and easier north and southbound u-turn movements,” she said.

“Additional u-turn movements will be provided at the key intersections of Central and Broad streets.

“Main Roads will replace the mid-block crossing at Bradford Street with pedestrian crossings at Robert and Central streets.

“The mid-block crossing north of Whiting Street will be moved to the new signalised intersection at Whiting Street.

“Providing these safe new pedestrian crossings will greatly improve pedestrian safety when crossing the busy highway and will be able to enhance traffic flow through Labrador.”

Mr Pitt said motorists using the highway through Labrador should be aware of changed traffic conditions until the end of the year.

"While access to shops and residents will be maintained during the upgrade, motorists who do not need to use this section of the highway should consider alternative routes, as this will reduce the congestion during construction," Mr Pitt said.

"Detours and lane closures will be advised to motorists through advertising, traffic updates on the 13 19 40 website and traffic hotline and roadside signs throughout the work site.”

Construction for stage two of the Gold Coast Highway upgrade is expected to finish by late 2009, weather permitting.

Public consultation for the third stage of the upgrade, which will occur between Broad and Harley streets, is also underway.

For more information, contact 5596 9500 or email NerangDO@mainroads.qld.gov.au