The Queensland Government and the City of Gold Coast are partnering to upgrade a critical section of Goldmine Road as part of the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP).
The delivery agreement includes the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and the City of Gold Coast contributing funding for the design and construction of this work.
Combining the upgrade of Goldmine Road with the rail facility entrance will minimise construction impacts on the nearby school, residents and road users. The Queensland Government said it has listened to community feedback about the need to minimise the impact of the rail facility on Goldmine Road.
The Goldmine Road upgrade early design includes:
- Widening the existing lanes (adjacent to the City of Gold Coast’s upgrade at Lahrs Road)
- Laying new asphalt to replace the existing surface
- Improving flood immunity including installing kerb and channel and new drainage
- Installing off-road shared user paths to improve active transport options
- Creating a new intersection for the rail facility entrance, with dedicated turning lanes into the rail facility to keep through traffic moving
- Installing dedicated pedestrian crossings at the rail facility entrance to improve safety
The design of the Goldmine Road upgrade and rail facility entrance is in the preliminary stages with construction scheduled to commence late 2025. Traffic assessments are underway to inform the rail facility entrance design, including whether the entrance will be signalised. TMR will keep the local community informed as the design progresses.
Site investigations to inform the design are scheduled to start in late August 2024 – this will include survey, ecological studies and asphalt testing.
Construction of the Ormeau rail facility – which will be used for train maintenance and stabling – is currently underway. This package of works is part of the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, which will support 1,300 jobs throughout the life of the project.
Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher, said the QTMP project is bringing train manufacturing back to Queensland.
“The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program is creating local jobs right here, right now and will continue to benefit our community,” Mr Butcher said.
“In late 2023 we asked people for their insights and feedback on the Ormeau rail facility concept design and minimising the impact on Goldmine Road was the most common feedback we heard.
“We are proud to partner with the City of Gold Coast to deliver this upgrade, which will improve safety for all road users in the local area.”
City of Gold Coast Acting Mayor, Donna Gates, said, “The second stage of the Goldmine Road upgrades ensure the fast-growing region is not left behind when it comes to transport.
“Not only is this project about safety for road users but it also delivers safe shared pathways for active travel.
“We have listened to the feedback provided by residents and we are committed to ensuring they have the infrastructure they need.”
Image: Morphius Film/shutterstock.com
