Works now underway on $110M section of the M1 upgrade

Work has now begun on a major upgrade of the Exit 49 (Pimpama) Interchange to improve safety and reduce congestion on Queensland’s M1 Pacific Motorway.

The Exit 49 interchange upgrade will deliver significant improvements in safety and traffic flow efficiency by keeping traffic moving through the improved interchange, thereby reducing queuing.

This project will include building a new bridge across the M1 with additional lanes, removal of existing roundabouts and installation of traffic signals, relocation of on-ramps and off-ramps away from the main interchange with signalised intersections that work in coordination with the rest of the interchange.

New bike lanes and pathways for safer travel are also being built as part of the upgrade.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said she was pleased to announce that Seymour Whyte had started work on the project.

“This investment will ease pressure on a known bottleneck on the northern end of the Gold Coast and help improve commuter times,” she said. “It is a great win for Gold Coasters, who will find themselves getting home sooner and safer once the upgrade is complete.”

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the works would support one of the fastest growing regions in the country.

“We know the community here has outgrown the dual roundabout interchange which is why signalised intersections will be created on either side, along with extended on and off-ramps,” he said.

“The changes will minimise the frustrating time spent exiting the M1 in either direction, all while keeping traffic flowing over the M1 thanks to a new overpass.”

The $110.768 million project is funded 50:50 between the Australian and Queensland governments, including a developer contribution of $305,000. The project is expected to be complete in 2024.

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