Construction on the Coomera Connector Stage 1 North package is progressing, with the project marking the milestone of one year since works began.
Since construction started for the North package just under 12 months ago, the project team has completed more than 80 per cent of piling works on both the new, nearly 1km-long Coomera River bridge and Coomera overflow bridge, with 148 piles installed to date.
In that time, the project team has started bridge girder installation with 16 of close to 500 girders installed on the new Coomera River bridge.
Extensive ground improvement works are also underway, including the installation of close to 3,500 controlled modulus columns across the project, to stabilise and reinforce the ground.
Additionally, over 2km of new drainage infrastructure is now in place, with more than 2,000 workers inducted to the construction site.
Construction of the Coomera Link Road upgrade (Shipper Drive and Foxwell Road) is also underway.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Bart Mellish, said that he is pleased to see this new motorway taking shape.
“This project is vital to the region’s future and is one of the largest infrastructure projects we have underway,” Mr Mellish said.
“The Coomera Connector, or Second M1, is going to be a game-changer for commuters to and from the Gold Coast, anticipated to take 60,000 cars a day off the M1.
“It will be a key link in South East Queensland’s future transport network and will not only ease congestion between our two major cities, but will improve how Gold Coast residents move around their neighbourhoods.”
Member for Gaven, Meaghan Scanlon, said that she made an election commitment to build the Second M1 and that this massive project will ease congestion for the growing city.
“It’s exciting to see another milestone achieved on a project that will cut travel time and keep hundreds of thousands of Gold Coasters moving,” Ms Scanlon said.
“It has created hundreds of jobs and will make it easier, faster, and more convenient for people living and working across our city.”
Featured image: Construction underway on the Coomera Connector Stage 1 North package. Image credit: Queensland Government.
