Work on the $2.16 billion Coomera Connector Stage 1 project in Queensland has begun, with enabling works commencing on the northern section between Coomera and Helensvale.
By constructing additional crossings of the Coomera and Nerang rivers, Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector will aim to reduce pressure on the M1 by providing an alternative route for the growing communities and commercial hubs of Helensvale and Coomera.
Acciona Construction Australia and Georgiou Group Joint Venture, with WSP and BG&E as the designers, are undertaking the enabling works for the project, while also working on finalising the design.
The project is also set to provide improved connections and accessibility to more transport options on the northern Gold Coast.
Coomera Connector Stage 1 is around 16 kilometres and will be delivered in three construction packages.
These include Stage 1 North (Shipper Drive, Coomera to Helensvale Road, Helensvale), Stage 1 Central (Helensvale Road, Helensvale to Smith Street Motorway, Molendinar) and Stage 1 South (Smith Street Motorway, Molendinar to Nerang-Broadbeach Road, Nerang).
Construction of Stage 1 is expected to support 1000 jobs over the project’s life.
Gold Coast based Queensland Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon said while procurement continued in the background, hard hats and hi-vis would soon be out in force.
“We are gearing up for construction, so site compounds will begin to take shape along the corridor – locals can expect some intermittent lane closures and speed changes,” Scanlon said.
“In coming weeks, a barge will be floated from the northern bank of the Coomera River so that riverbed geotechnical investigations can be carried out.”
Mainline construction on the Coomera Connector Stage 1 North structures will start once all environmental and project approvals are in place, expected from mid-2022.
The Federal and Queensland governments have committed a total of $2.16 billion on a 50:50 basis to plan and build Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector between Coomera and Nerang.
For more information on the project, click here.
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