The first year of construction on the Coomera Connector Stage 1 North package in Queensland – in the Gold Coast’s northern suburbs – is almost complete, the state government announced this week.
It says more than 80 per cent of piling works on the one kilometre long Coomera River bridge and the Coomera overflow bridge have been completed, with 148 piles now installed.
The project team has also started on bridge girder installation, with 16 of 500 total now installed on the bridge.
Queensland transport minister Bart Mellish says the connector will act as an important link for both freight routes and commuters in the state.
“It’s one year in for this incredibly important project and I am so pleased to see this wonderful new motorway taking shape,” he says.
“This project is vital to the region’s future and is one of the largest infrastructure projects we have underway.
“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.”
In addition to the bridge works, extensive ground improvement works are also underway for the installation of 3500 controlled modulus columns to help reinforce the surrounding land.
Workers have also installed two kilometres of drainage infrastructure.
“I made an election commitment to build the Second M1 and this massive project will ease congestion for our growing city,” member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon says.
“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.
“It has created hundreds of jobs and will make it easier, faster, and more convenient for people living and working across our city.”