Smith Street Motorway free-flowing ramp open for business

A new free-flowing loop ramp on Smith Street and Olsen Avenue interchange on the Gold Coast is now open to motorists.

Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Minister Mark Bailey said the loop ramp would ease congestion at the busy Smith Street Motorway and Olsen Avenue interchange.

“The ramp will ease congestion and save travel time for busy motorists using the interchange,” Mr Bailey said.

“Southbound motorists on Olsen Avenue, travelling westbound towards the Pacific Motorway (M1), will now be able to merge onto the Smith Street Motorway without stopping at traffic lights.”

"As part of the upgrade, southbound motorists on Olsen Avenue will have to access Smith Street westbound from the left-hand side of the road, rather than the right,” he said.

"This is a big change from the existing set-up, and motorists need to take extra care through this section of the upgrade until they are familiar with the changed layout."

Widening works on the Smith Street Motorway and Olsen Avenue will also be completed with additional lanes to open in sections over the coming months.

Motorists will continue to experience changing traffic conditions, including ongoing night works, weekend lane closures and temporary ramp closures with detours.

These works are part of the $119 million road upgrade for the Health and Knowledge Precinct, which is on track for completion by mid-2015.

“As an added bonus, these works will provide an average of 148 direct jobs over the life of the project at a time when jobs and job security are more important than ever,” Mr Bailey said.

Keep informed of the changing road conditions and roadwork progress by joining the free SMS text message and traffic alert email system. To register, contact the project team on 1800 600 163 or email gcconnectjv@seymourwhyte.com.au.

For up-to-date information on road conditions, roadworks and other traffic information, visit www.131940.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40.

Media Contact: Minister's Office  0438 768 734