A $190 million upgrade to the M1 and Gateway interchange is only the first step to solving congestion issues in Logan, says mayor Luke Smith.
Cr Smith was commenting on an announcement by Federal Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher that the contract for the design and construction of major works at the merge had been awarded to Lendlease Engineering.
Cr Smith said it would help in the afternoons, but would not address the four-hour peak hour every morning, which also impacted commuters catching buses into the city.
“We still need to see a business case to upgrade the northbound lanes at the Gateway Motorway off-ramp, as well as an extension of South East Busway from Eight Miles Plains to Loganholme,” he said.
“We know our commuters lose 80 hours a year stuck in peak hour traffic on the M1, and that persistent daily congestion impacts Logan businesses and the city’s economic potential.”
Council led a campaign last year to secure an agreement from the state and federal governments to fund and immediately deliver the first stage of the interchange of the M1 and the Gateway.
“It’s taken another 12 months, but we’re pleased a funding agreement is now in place and we have a commitment that work will soon start,” Cr Smith said.
Mr Fletcher said the project would improve congestion and safety on the Pacific Motorway.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the upgrades, once completed, meant commuters and industry in the area would notice a significant reduction in travel time.
“This is one of the fastest growing regions in the state,” she said.
“I understand how crucial this section of road is, and it’s great to see this contract being awarded as early works get underway.”
A total of 131 jobs are expected to be created as part of the project.
Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the upgrade included a new four-lane bridge over the Pacific Motorway on a realigned Underwood Road, providing improved east-west connectivity.
“During construction the speed limit through the site will be reduced and we ask motorists to take care when travelling through the area,” he said.
Forde MP Bert van Manen said the Gateway merge section of the Pacific Motorway was reaching operational capacity each afternoon.
"The additional southbound lanes on the Pacific Motorway as well as the reconfiguration of the bus entry from Eight Mile Plains Bus Station will help with current congestion, particularly during peak periods," he said.
“The M1 Pacific Motorway experiences some of the state’s heaviest traffic, with daily traffic volumes exceeding 148,000 vehicles and expected to grow.”
The federal government has committed $115 million towards the $190 million project.
