The initial design of the new look, $25 million upgrade of Exit 57 on the M1 at Oxenford has been unveiled by the Palaszczuk Government.
Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the Exit 57 upgrade was a Palaszczuk Government election commitment.
“The Palaszczuk Government made a commitment at the last election to get moving on an upgrade of Exit 57 and now we’re delivering with shovels and high-vis on the ground by the end of the year,” Ms Scanlon said.
“The design give motorists and residents their first opportunity to get a sense of what the upgrade of Exit 57 might look like and how it could operate.
“With its proximity to shopping, services and the Gold Coast’s fastest growing residential areas, Exit 57 at Oxenford is a complex and busy interchange.
“High volumes of east and westbound traffic have been given careful consideration in the initial design plan, as has improving traffic flow and of course road safety.”
Ms Scanlon said the initial design to reduce congestion and ramp queueing included additional turning lanes from the M1 to Hope Island and Tamborine-Oxenford roads.
New on-road cycle lanes have also been added.
“Early estimates suggest the upgrade of Exit 57 will support an average of 75 direct jobs over the life of the project, which is great news for our local economy,” Ms Scanlon said.
”Solar panels at the interchange will be removed temporarily to give work crews access to the construction site but will be returned once construction of the upgrade is completed.
“The upgrade of exit 57 is an important component of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to building a better M1.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the tender to deliver a detailed, preferred design had been awarded to GHD.
”Exit 57’s final design, with others including Yatala, Ormeau and Pimpama, is crucial to reducing congestion and improving the safety and efficiency of the M1,” Mr Bailey said.
“It demonstrates the Palaszczuk Government is getting on with the job of prioritising M1 upgrades and delivering for motorists in one of Australia’s fastest growing regions.”
As the detailed design progresses, specific project inclusions will be decided based on their potential to increase capacity and safety.
View the Exit 57 upgrade design on TMR’s website:
