Work starts this week on the $25 million M1 upgrade at Oxenford (Exit 57).
The project will cut travel times through the Oxenford Interchange by 40 per cent, and marks the next stage of the Palaszczuk Government’s $2.3 billion program of M1 works.
Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the upgrade would get families home sooner and safer.
“We’re building a better M1,” Ms Scanlon said.
“We committed to upgrading the Oxenford interchange at the last election, and we’re delivering on that.
“From new lanes on the M1 between Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes, the M1/M3 merge upgrade and better interchanges, the Palaszczuk Government is tackling congestion on the coast.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the upgrade would provide additional turning lanes from the M1 to Hope Island and Tamborine-Oxenford roads.
“We’re widening the interchange, adding new lanes to reduce queueing and simplifying the sequence of lights to make it faster for motorists to get through the interchange and on and off the M1,” Mr Bailey said.
“These changes will mean drivers won’t have to queue dangerously on the M1 to get onto Oxenford-Tamborine Road.”
Mr Bailey said the project would include the installation of a new U-turn facility along Oxenford-Tamborine Road.
Consultation included face-to-face meetings, doorknocking and delivery of newsletters to almost 40,000 households.
Solar panels at the interchange will be temporarily removed during construction to allow and be reinstalled when construction is complete.
Construction is expected to take 12 months, weather permitting.
