Construction is now underway on the first package of works for the $1 billion M1 Pacific Motorway Upgrade from Varsity Lakes to Tugun (VL2T) in the Gold Coast. This follows the appointment of Seymour Whyte Constructions as the preferred builder for this project in March 2020.
Major works can now begin with concrete barriers already in place, VMS boards installed, and speeds reduced.
“We’re getting moving as quickly as we can get shovels in the ground and workers on site.
“This isn’t just a project with significant long-term benefits, it’s going to be delivering benefits right now with more jobs to help local workers as Australia moves past the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
This vital project will not only bust congestion but will also deliver more than 830 jobs for the Gold Coast and wider Queensland communities.
“We’re starting before the current section is complete because we want to see progress and jobs continue.
“Getting started on this project sooner rather than later means when we come out of COVID-19, Queensland’s economy can support as many jobs as possible,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
The billion dollar VL2T project is divided into three major work packages, with Package A – Varsity Lakes to Burleigh being delivered first. The two other packages include Package B – Burleigh to Palm Beach; and Package C – Palm Beach to Tugun. A separate package of works – Package D – will include the delivery of smart motorway technologies between Nerang and Mudgeeraba.
“Start of construction has been fast-tracked because we know the delivery of major infrastructure projects like the M1 is essential to supporting jobs and economic growth at this time.
“It’s rare to see a project of this size start construction within several weeks after contract award but we know it is vital to get this project up and running at a time when creating and maintaining jobs has never been more critical,” Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said.
About 80 per cent of businesses engaged to deliver works on the current upgrade between Mudgeeraba and Varsity Lakes are local, and Gold Coasters can expect the number of local engagements to increase over the next coming years.
“The Queensland Government has secured $2.5 billion to build a better M1, and to create more than 2,000 jobs and plenty of work for dozens of local businesses.
“Attacking coronavirus means going at it from all angles. That includes the economic front, where major construction projects like this are crucial to keeping Queenslanders employed and assisting businesses as much as possible,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.
The M1 Pacific Motorway Upgrade – Varsity Lakes to Tugun will include:
- Widening 10 kilometres of the M1 from two to a minimum of three lanes on both directions between Varsity Lakes (Exit 85) and Tugun (Exit 95), with some areas widened to five lanes and include improvements to the road alignment
- Extending all entry and exit ramps at interchanges, and significant improvements to Burleigh Heads (Exit 87), Tallebudgera (Exit 89) and Palm Beach (Exit 92)
- Widening the Tallebudgera Creek and Currumbin Creek bridges
- Construction of a new two-way western service road between Tallebudgera (Exit 89) and Palm Beach (Exit 92) and a new bridge over Tallebudgera Creek connecting the new western service road
- Installation of smart motorway technologies to improve travel time between Nerang and Tugun
- Preserving the corridor for a possible future rail extension south of Varsity Lakes
- Installing bike and pedestrian paths to improve active transport connectivity
This project will also include the first Diverging Diamond Interchange in the region.
“Getting this project started ahead of time is a win for jobs, a win for our economy and a win for Gold Coast drivers.
“By relieving the southern Gold Coast of the constant traffic bottlenecks, we can reduce travel times and increase freight efficiency,” Federal Member for McPherson Karen Andrews said.
The VL2T project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, with each contributing $500 million each.
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Source: Queensland Government; Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure; Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads
