M1 Varsity Lakes to Tugun upgrade powers on with additional funding

The now $1.5 billion Pacific Motorway – Varsity Lakes to Tugun (VL2T) project continues to progress as completion nears on a new bridge structure as part of Package B of works. 

Structure works on the bridge at Tallebudgera Creek is almost complete over the creek and Tallebudgera Creek Road for the new western service road. 

The VL2T project has navigated through several unavoidable issues that have impacted its delivery, including significant wet weather events during successive La Nina weather patterns in recent years. 

In addition, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were found in Package B and asbestos was found in Package C works. The management and removal of the substances has caused significant delays early in the delivery of the project which, in turn, added to the cost of the project. 

An additional $500 million funding was required to complete the project due to the considerable challenges mentioned above. 

“The Varsity Lakes to Tugun upgrade has navigated a number of unprecedented issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, subsequent supply chain delays and nationwide cost escalations. 

“When complete, VL2T will be a game-changing upgrade for M1 commuters,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

The Pacific Motorway M1 Varsity Lakes to Tugun upgrade will widen about 10 kilometres of the M1 from two to a minimum of three lanes in both directions. Key features of the project include: 

• Extending all entry and exit ramps at interchanges, and significant improvements made to: 
  • Burleigh (Exit 87) 
  • Tallebudgera (Exit 89) 
  • Palm Bech (Exit 92) 
• Widening the Tallebudgera Creek and Currumbin Creek bridges 
• Constructing a new 2-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 
• Installing 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 connections 

The project is being built under three work packages. Package A from Varsity Lakes (Exit 85) to Burleigh (Exit 87) was completed in late 2022 while Package B from Burleigh (Exit 87) to Palm Beach (Nineteenth Avenue) and Package C from Palm Beach (Nineteenth Avenue) to Tugun (Exit 95) are under construction and are expected to progressively open from 2024. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Infrastructure Magazine