Designs for Coomera Connector Stage 1 South released for feedback

The development of Queensland’s Second M1 – the Coomera Connector – has reached another milestone with the release of designs for Stage 1 South, and the community is now encouraged to have their say on the designs. 

The Coomera Connector Stage 1 South will connect from the Smith Street Motorway to a new interchange at Southport-Nerang Road before it crosses the Nerang River and ending at a new intersection with Nerang-Broadbeach Road. 

Design changes have been made at the southern end of Nerang to accommodate previous community feedback. 

“It’s really important to engage with key stakeholders and the community in the design phase, as we have done on the North package of work under Stage 1. 

“The southern section of Stage 1 boasts a shared path that joins with the Central and Northern packages of work. This is exciting for people like me who love to cycle, or those who like to walk or use a mobility scooter or wheelchair. We encourage people to get involved and learn more about the active transport plans and ask questions of the project team. 

“A Second M1 will be critical in easing traffic congestion between the Gold Coast and Logan and enable locals to make shorter trips without needing to get on the M1. 

“The Coomera Connector is a major project in our Government’s commitment to building Queensland by investing in infrastructure that supports more jobs, builds resilience and underpins future prosperity for Queenslanders,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

Proposed design for Stage 1 South (source: Queensland Government)

Key features of Stage 1 South include: 

• A grade-separated interchange at Southport-Nerang Road 
• A new intersection at Nerang-Broadbeach Road 
• A new 300-metre bridge structure over the Nerang River 
• Four kilometres of shared bicycle and pedestrian path with local path network connections for communities at Molendinar and Nerang 
• Open graded asphalt road surface for increased safety and reduced noise 

The BG&E Pty Ltd and HDR Pty Ltd Joint Venture (BHJV) is undertaking the design for Stage 1 South. 

Early works south of Nerang River is due to begin in the new year and major construction on Stage 1 South is expected to commence in late 2024. 

“The Second M1 will cut congestion, helping locals to get around faster and with less hassle. 

“Earlier feedback has helped shape the design process so far, and I’d encourage anyone interested to hop on the website and have their say,” Senator for Queensland Murray Watt said. 

The Coomera Connector is the largest road infrastructure project in South East Queensland and it is set to become a future state-controlled north-south transport corridor. The complete gazetted corridor spans 45 kilometres between the Logan Motorway and Pacific Motorway interchange in Loganholme and Nerang-Broadbeach Road in Nerang. 

The full Coomera Connector will be completed in two sections, the Southern section (Stage 1) and Northern section (future stages). 

Stage 1 is being built under three packages: 

• Stage 1 North: Shipper Drive, Coomera to Helensvale Road, Helensvale 
• Stage 1 Central: Helensvale Road, Helensvale to Smith Street Motorway, Molendinar 
• Stage 1 South: Smith Street Motorway, Molendinar to Nerang-Broadbeach Road, Nerang 

“I made an election commitment to build the Second M1 and this massive project will ease congestion for our growing city. 

“It’s exciting to see the southern section of Stage 1 take shape. This project has not only created hundreds of jobs it will connect the southeast – making it easier, faster, and more convenient for people living, working and visiting the region. 

“As our city grows, we need to make sure it keeps moving – whether that’s on the road, via rail, light rail or on buses,” Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said. 

Coomera Connector Stage 1 alignment (source: Department of Transport and Main Roads)

Previously, the overall project has reached new milestones including updates on planning for future stages of the Coomera Connector. You can read more about it here. 

The $2.16 billion Coomera Connector Stage 1 is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments on a 50:50 basis. This investment is anticipated to support an average of 1,000 direct jobs over the life of the project. 

Major works on Stage 1 commenced in March 2023 and this stage of the Coomera Connector is expected to progressively open to traffic from 2025. 

“With major construction now underway on Stage 1 North and design works progressing on Stage 1 Central and South, this vital new motorway is really starting to take shape. 

“We know congestion continues to be a big issue for this region which is why we are progressing the critical piece of infrastructure – building safe, connected and well-planned motorway. 

“This project, jointly funded by Australian and Queensland governments is yet another example of what the Albanese and Palaszczuk governments can achieve together to deliver for Gold Coast residents and for Queenslanders,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads (1, 2, 3)