Queensland-based company Seymour Whyte has begun construction on a major upgrade of the Exit 49 (Pimpama) Interchange which will include a new bridge over the motorway, additional traffic lanes, on and off-ramp upgrades, and new signalised intersections to replace roundabouts.
The $110.768 million project is funded 50:50 between the Australian and Queensland governments, including a developer contribution of $305,000 and is expected to improve safety and reduce congestion on the M1.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King, said the investment will improve commuter times and ease pressure on a known bottleneck location on the northern end of the Gold Coast.
“The upgrade will reduce queueing on the M1 and keep traffic moving efficiently and safely through the busy interchange,” Ms King 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 that Pimpama is one of the fastest growing regions in the country and that the region’s infrastructure needs to change to keep pace.
“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,” Mr Bailey said.
This is a sentiment echoed by Gold Coast-based Queensland Government Minister, Meaghan Scanlon.
“The Gold Coast is growing rapidly, and our city needs the infrastructure and services to accommodate the 800,000 people that’ll call it home by the time the Olympics roll around,” Ms Scanlon said.
“Major investments in roads and health now means better services, good jobs and protecting our great lifestyle as we grow.”
“This upgrade is something I know local families have been looking forward to.”
The project is expected to be complete in early 2024, weather and construction conditions permitting.
