M1 Pacific Motorway – Gateway Merge charges ahead
18 October 2017
Queensland Government: The contract for the significant
M1 and M3 upgrade between Eight Mile Plains and Rochedale South has been
announced, with early works on the congestion busting project already
underway.
Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher today announced
that the contract for the
design and construction of major works at the
Gateway Merge had been awarded to
Lendlease Engineering Pty Ltd,
following a competitive
tender process.
"We are a step closer to commencing this important infrastructure
project, which will improve congestion and safety on the
Pacific
Motorway," Mr Fletcher said.
"Today’s announcement delivers on a 2016 Australian Government election
commitment to improve safety and ease congestion for the thousands of
motorists travelling on the Pacific Motorway between Brisbane and the
Gold Coast every day."
In addition to reducing traffic, 131
jobs are expected to be created as
part of the project.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the upgrades, once
completed, meant commuters and industry in the area would notice a
significant reduction in travel time.
"This is one of the fastest growing regions in the state, and today’s
announcement once again demonstrates how my government is getting on
with the job, working with the Federal Government to get thousands of
Queenslanders home to their families earlier each day," the Premier
said.
"I understand how crucial this section of road is, and it’s great to see
this contract being awarded as early works get underway."
Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Mark Bailey
said the upgrade included a new four-lane
bridge over the Pacific
Motorway on a realigned Underwood Road, providing improved east-west
connectivity.
"During construction the speed limit through the site will be reduced
and we ask motorists to take care when travelling through the area," Mr
Bailey said.
"This design and construction contract demonstrates the State
Government’s commitment to deliver safe and cost-efficient transport
infrastructure to meet the current and future needs of the area."
Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen said the Gateway merge section
of the Pacific Motorway was reaching operational capacity each
afternoon.
"The additional southbound lanes on the Pacific Motorway as well as the
reconfiguration of the bus entry from Eight Mile Plains Bus Station will
help with current congestion, particularly during peak periods," Mr Van
Manen said.
"The M1 Pacific Motorway experiences some of the state’s heaviest
traffic, with daily traffic volumes exceeding 148,000 vehicles and
expected to grow."
Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni said the upgrades would be welcomed
in his electorate.
"This upgrade will mean that families in Springwood will spend less time
in their cars and more time with their families," Mr de Brenni said.
"The end result will also connect dedicated bus lanes from Eight Mile
Plains in Rochedale to Springwood and the bus interchange and park n
ride, leading to quicker, easier commutes.
"M1 congestion has cost Logan businesses both time and money and it’s
fantastic to see these important works taking flight."
Member for Sunnybank Peter Russo said he was pleased to see some early
works had already begun.
"Residents and passing motorists will start to notice some changes
around Rothon Drive and surrounding streets in the coming weeks as
demolition work continues," Mr Russo said.
The M1 Pacific Motorway – Gateway Motorway Merge project which is
expected to cost between $170 million - $196 million is jointly funded
by the Australian Government and Queensland Governments, with the
Australian Government committing up to $115 million towards the project
and the Queensland Government the remainder.
--ENDS--
Source: Queensland Government - www.statements.qld.gov.au
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