Coomera Connector, Gold Coast, queensland, Second M1,
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Major construction is underway on the 16km Coomera Connector (Second M1), which will support an estimated 1,000 jobs.
Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector will remove 60,000 local daily trips from the M1.
Major construction is underway on the 16-kilometre Coomera Connector Stage 1, creating a ‘second M1’ to remove up to 60,000 local trips a day from the M1 Pacific Motorway, south of Brisbane.
The first sod was turned today, marking the start of main construction on Stage 1 North, between Shipper Drive, Coomera and Helensvale Road, Helensvale.
Early works to prepare for construction have been ongoing since November 2021.
This announcement comes as the Australian Government approved the project’s Public Environment Report (PER), giving the green light for the project to progress to major construction.
“This is a critical infrastructure project for the South East as the population of the Gold Coast continues to grow,” says Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“As one of the fastest growing regions in the country, this vital road project will get Queenslanders home safer and sooner than ever before,” says Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“This investment is on top of the more than $5.5 billion we’ve already jointly invested upgrading the M1 since 2015,” says Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
The report sets out measures to reduce and mitigate the project’s impact on the environment, including offsetting and enhancing koala habitats at nearby properties in Pimpama and Tabooba.
The Coomera Connector will change how Gold Coast residents get around and improve journeys between the growing Coomera and Nerang communities.
It will also mean more reliable travel times between Brisbane and the Gold Coast by alleviating congestion on the M1.
A new, 1-kilometre-long, Coomera River bridge crossing is a key feature of the first package, along with a four-metre-wide shared active transport path.
The first stage of the project will be delivered in three construction packages:
- Stage 1 North: Shipper Drive, Coomera to Helensvale Road, Helensvale (now underway)
- Stage 1 Central: Helensvale Road, Helensvale to Smith Street Motorway, Molendinar (expected to start later this year)
- Stage 1 South: Smith Street Motorway, Molendinar to Nerang-Broadbeach Road, Nerang (in design).
The final design for Stage 1 North includes improvements made by contractor Acciona Georgiou Joint Venture (AGJV), such as to the location of the shared path’s rest area and upgrades to surrounding local roads at the interchanges.
“The Coomera Connector is a boon for southeast Queenslanders – it means less time stuck in traffic and more time spent with loved ones enjoying Queensland’s great lifestyle,” says Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King.
“With major construction can now underway, works will continue to ramp up over the coming months as this new motorway starts to come to life,” says Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King.
Construction notices will be distributed as the project progresses, giving residents, motorists and boaties more detail on how and where work will be carried out.
The Second M1 will open progressively from 2025.
The Australian and Queensland governments have each committed $1.08 billion to the $2.16 billion to plan and build Coomera Connector Stage 1 between Coomera and Nerang.
“From our heavy investment in the M1 and now building the Second M1, Gold Coasters can see just how much we’re doing to alleviate congestion,” says Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey.
“As an avid cyclist, I am excited this project includes a shared path running the entire 16-kilometre length, with local road connections – this is a game changer for pedestrians, people with prams, bike riders and those using mobility scooters and wheelchairs, as it gives them opportunities to leave the car at home,” says Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey.
“With our city’s population expected to reach close to 800,000 in the next 10 years, we’re investing more than $5 billion in road and rail projects across our city,” Queensland Minister for the Environment and State Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon.
It is estimated to support an average of 1,000 direct jobs over the life of the project.
To keep up to date on progress, and plan journeys to minimise disruption, the community is encouraged to sign up for regular project emails by contacting [email protected].
Click here for more information regarding the Coomera Connector.
Source: © The State of Queensland
Image source: © The State of Queensland
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