The four-lane, 4km section of the connector opens tomorrow. Image: Queensland Government
Truckies are promised less congestion on the M1 with the opening of the first stage of the $3.4 billion Coomera Connector tomorrow.
The four-lane, 4km section of the alternative north-south corridor to the M1 between Coomera and Nerang is expected to take some much-needed pressure off the gridlocked Pacific Motorway and provide faster journeys for those travelling between Coomera and Helensvale.
It is the first of three packages to open, with the central package recently marking one year of construction and early works recently completed and main construction forging ahead on the south package.
Work is progressing on environmental approvals for the remaining 29km of Coomera Connector between Loganholme and Coomera, and detailed design for Stage 2 – from Yawalpah Road in Pimpama to Shipper Drive in Coomera – will begin next year.
Once complete, the state and federal governments said the 45km Coomera Connector will “transform” travel between Logan and the Gold Coast, reducing congestion on the busy Pacific Motorway, improving freight efficiency, and supporting the region’s economic growth.
“Any local that’s sat on the Coomera stretch of the M1 during peak hour traffic will know what a difference this connector will make,” said federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Catherine King.
“The opening of the M9 will mean a safer, more reliable and smoother journey for thousands of commuters a day.
“This is not just an investment in South East Queensland’s infrastructure but in jobs and the local community.
“This new infrastructure is all about reducing travel times, and it’s arrived just in time for the Christmas break, so commuters can get home earlier to their loved ones.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Coomera Connector was one of Queensland’s largest transport projects.
“We’re proud to be working with the Australian Government to deliver real benefits to Queenslanders – reducing congestion, improving travel times, and supporting our growing communities,” Minister Mickelberg said.
“The Coomera Connector is a clear example of this government getting on with the job of building the infrastructure Queenslanders need now and into the future.
“Not only is this infrastructure vital to support increasing demand on our roads, but it’s also critical for our economy, with more than 1000 jobs being supported across Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector project, and over 2.5 million working hours invested in Stage 1 North alone.”
The Coomera Connector Stage 1 North project included:
- Building interchanges at Shipper Dr and Helensvale Rd and 4kms of shared paths
- Constructing an almost 1km bridge over the Coomera River and Saltwater Creek
- 65,000 tonnes of asphalt laid on the main section of road and local roads.
- Over 60 traineeships and apprenticeships
- 94 per cent of project spend with South East Queensland suppliers
The project was jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Government, with a $1.5 billion contribution from the Commonwealth and $1.9 billion contribution from the Queensland Government.
