Games Lanes activation underway despite LNP trouble making

Games Lanes across the Gold Coast will be activated over the Easter long weekend to prepare motorists for the start of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government’s considered approach to changed traffic conditions struck a balance between the needs of business and drivers on the Coast.

“In contrast, yesterday we saw a bizarre situation where the LNP’s leader Deb Frecklington contradicted her party’s transport spokesman Steve Minnikin, over this issue,” Mr Bailey said.

“While Ms Frecklington says the lanes should still be open, Mr Minnikin says they should have been closed weeks ago.”

“Unlike the LNP who are divided, confused and in a shambles, and who failed to implement any Games planning or investment when they were in power, the Palaszczuk Government is well prepared for what will be the biggest sporting event in Australia in the past decade. 

“Activation dates have been staggered to minimise traffic disruptions for road users, and we have tried to keep roads operating as normal for as long as possible.”

The Games Lanes will facilitate reliable transport for athletes and officials during GC2018, ensuring they can get to GC2018 venues on time and the competitions remain on schedule.

Games Lanes will be in place at the following locations: 

• 30 March – 15 April: Ross Street / Olsen Avenue section
• 31 March – 15 April: Smith Street between Olsen Avenue and High Street section
• 1 April – 15 April: Nerang-Broadbeach Road / Hooker Boulevard section
• 2 April – 15 April: Gold Coast Highway sections

Mr Bailey said Games Lanes had been successfully used in previous Commonwealth Games and they were one of the road measures being implemented across the Gold Coast to help facilitate reliable transport for athletes and officials.

“Games Lanes provide a priority traffic lane for accredited vehicles only, including TransLink branded buses, emergency vehicles and vehicles being escorted by an emergency vehicle,” Mr Bailey said.

“Other vehicles can still use Games Lanes for up to 100 metres to turn at an intersection, to enter or exit a property/road, or avoid an obstruction.”

Line marking and signage will be in place to warn motorists when they are approaching a Games Lanes and have entered one. The temporary “Get Set for the Games” signage will be replaced by distinctive blue and yellow “Games Lanes” signs.

Some sections of Games Lanes will have additional white arrows line-marked on the roads to assist motorists when they need to cross a Games Lanes to turn a corner.

From the point of activation, Games Lanes can only be used by accredited vehicles through till the end of the Games on Sunday 15 April. Fines of $252 will apply if they are used by general motorists during this time period, but no demerit points will apply.

Games Lanes cannot be used by motorbikes, taxis or booked hire services (such as uber or limousines).  As most Games Lanes are located in the existing median lane, they are also not suitable for cyclists to use for safety reasons.

Games Lanes will not be used on the Pacific Motorway (M1).

For guidance on how to use the Games Lanes and for more details on their locations, we encourage everyone to go to getsetforthegames.com.au and watch our Games Lanes video.

Motorists are encouraged to plan their journeys during the Games using both getsetforthegames.com.au and qldtraffic.qld.gov.au.

ENDS  

Media contact:          Dominic Geiger, 0447355565