The finish line is in sight for the congestion-busting upgrades to the M1’s Varsity Lakes Interchange (Exit 85), with final touches to be delivered this week.
Member for McPherson Karen Andrews MP said all lanes of the new Stapley Drive bridge and southbound off-ramp to Stapley Drive at Exit 85 are due to open on Wednesday morning 13 May 2020.
“This new and improved overpass is wider and higher than its predecessor and will provide better connections for motorists travelling over the M1 between Reedy Creek and Varsity Lakes,” Mrs Andrews explained.
“The opening of the new bridge to traffic is right on schedule and I’m sure is welcomed by local residents who use this vital connection road on a daily basis.
“I know Gold Coasters want to get home sooner and safer – which is why I have spent years fighting for these upgrades and am excited to see the finish line in sight.”
Karen Andrews MP receives an update from TMR on the M1’s Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes upgrades.
State Member for Mudgeeraba Ros Bates MP thanked locals for their patience as the works were completed.
“For years this interchange has been a major bottleneck for local residents and parents doing the school run,” Ms Bates said.
“Locals from Reedy Creek have been waiting for 12 years for this upgrade and I thank the Federal Government because if they hadn’t have boxed the State Labor Government into matching the funding 50-50, we would still be waiting for these upgrades,” she added.
State Member for Burleigh Michael Hart MP said the new bridge is a significant improvement.
“The old bridge featured only one westbound and two eastbound lanes, leading to regular traffic jams at peak times,” Mr Hart said.
“The upgraded bridge has two lanes in each direction, as well as a dedicated cycle lane in both directions and a pedestrian footpath on the northern side,” he said.
The Federal Government has committed $1.7 billion towards the Pacific Motorway Upgrade Program to upgrade key sections of the motorway to bust congestion, improve safety, mitigate flooding, and improve freight efficiency.
The Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes project was jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments, with the Federal Coalition contributing $110 million of the overall $218.5 million – under the Infrastructure Investment Program.
Further details on the Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes project: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/P/Pacific-Motorway-M1-Mudgeeraba-to-Varsity-Lakes-upgrade
