The now $1.5 billion Pacific Motorway Varsity Lakes to Tugun (VL2T) project – which will upgrade 10km of the M1 – is progressing well, with Package B of the project nearing completion.
The project is being delivered by the Queensland Government.
Package B includes structure works on the bridge at Tallebudgera Creek and Tallebudgera Creek Road for the new western service road.
The upgrade has navigated a number of issues which have impacted the delivery of the project, including significant wet weather events in recent years.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were found in Package B and asbestos was found in Package C works. The management and removal of these substances caused significant delays early on in the project and has added to the project cost.
Due to these considerable challenges, the government announced that an additional $500 million will be required to complete the project.
The Queensland Government said that it sought funding at 50:50 from the Federal Government, but was only provided with $70 million in additional funds across the entire M1 corridor, despite warnings that without extra funding 300 workers would be stood down and lose their jobs before Christmas.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, said that the Varsity Lakes to Tugun upgrade has navigated a number of unprecedented issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, subsequent supply chain delays and nationwide cost escalations.
“When complete, VL2T will be a game-changing upgrade for M1 commuters,” Mr Bailey said.
“Despite this additional investment by the Queensland Government, saving hundreds of jobs, it still remains at risk as part of the M1 Pacific Motorway package in the Federal Government Infrastructure Review.
“The corridor program proposed by the Federal Government provides insufficient funds to deliver all the projects included and will require the Queensland Government to determine which to cut and continue.
“No state is as transparent as Queensland when it comes to our infrastructure priorities, and we will continue to fight for landmark projects like VL2T.”
