$110m QLD M1 Pacific Motorway interchange upgrade begin construction

Major works to upgrade the M1 Pacific Motorway Exit 49 (Pimpama) Interchange in Queensland are now underway. 

This major upgrade will not only improve safety at the interchange, but it will also increase capacity to help reduce congestion and keep traffic moving. 

“The upgrade will reduce queuing on the M1 and keep traffic moving efficiently and safely on the busy interchange. 

“This investment will ease pressure on a known bottleneck on the northern end of the Gold Coast and help improve commuter times. 

“It is a great win for Gold Coasters, who will find themselves getting home sooner and safer once the upgrade is complete,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

The $110.768 million project will include: 

• Removing existing roundabouts and replacing them with signalised intersections to allow traffic to flow more efficiently and safely 
• Moving the existing on and off ramps away from the main interchange intersections to reduce conflict points and traffic queuing. Diverting some traffic away from the interchange 
• Adding an additional bridge across the M1 for increases capacity of traffic movement 
• Adding pedestrian and cyclist connectivity across the M1 
• Landscaping with native plants to enhance the natural beauty of the residential area 
• Decreasing the downhill slope away from the interchange along Rifle Range Road to reduce issues with stopping 

“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. 

“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. 

“If you don’t travel by car, we’ve got you covered with new bike lanes and pathways for safer active travel also being built into the upgrade,” QLD Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

The Exit 49 Interchange upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments on a 50:50 basis with a developer contribution of $305,000. 

This major upgrade on the M1 Pacific Motorway is being undertaken by Queensland-based contractor Seymour Whyte. 

The interchange upgrade is anticipated to support approximately 179 Queensland jobs over the life of the project while also providing significant benefits to local suppliers. 

“This upgrade is something I know local families have been looking forward to. 

“With Exit 49 underway, Gold Coast families are seeing a pipeline of projects for our city that’ll rapidly come online. 

“Major investments in road and health now means better services, good jobs and protecting our great lifestyle as we grow,” Gold Coast-based Minister Meaghan Scanlon said. 

Weather and construction conditions permitting, the project is due to be completed in early 2024. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Roads & Infrastructure Australia