Another Gold Coast M1 upgrade complete

Accessing the northern Gold Coast suburb of Ormeau is now safer, easier and more reliable with the upgraded M1 Exit 45 southbound off-ramp open.

This is the first of three northern Gold Coast M1 interchanges completed, with work ongoing to upgrade Exit 41 (Yatala South) and Exit 49 (Pimpama).

Lanes have been added to the Ormeau Interchange off-ramp to increase capacity, with a new left-turn slip lane making it easier for drivers to turn onto northbound Lahrs Road.

Motorists heading to the eastern end of Eggersdorf Road and beyond no longer need to travel through the eastern interchange roundabout when exiting the motorway.

Traffic signals have also been installed at the off-ramp intersection with Lahrs Road and Zupp Drive, and extra roundabout metering signals added on the eastern roundabout.

The increased capacity and new signals will significantly reduce southbound off-ramp queueing during peak periods, and improve access and reliability for freight heading into Ormeau.

The $20 million Pacific Motorway (M1) Ormeau Interchange safety upgrade was funded 50:50 between the Australian and Queensland governments.

For more information, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/exit45.

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“We’ve seen rapid industrial and residential growth in Ormeau, so this southbound off-ramp upgrade was vital.

“Heading southbound off the motorway at Exit 45 will now be safer and more reliable. It will also benefit through-traffic.

“This is win for local motorists and it will also improve freight access to industrial areas.

“The Exit 45 upgrade is the first of three being delivered on the northern Gold Coast. It will ensure drivers are getting home sooner and safer and able to enjoy the great Queensland lifestyle.”

Quotes attributable to State Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:

“Not only will this see local residents get home sooner, but it will also keep cars flowing on the M1 as we give vehicles more room to queue on the exit.

“We’ve realigned the southbound off-ramp to a new signalised intersection on Lahrs Road, with extra lanes and a new left-turn slip to make travel times more reliable.

“Not only that, we’ve connected exiting active transport connections, and built new on-road bike lanes to make it safer for rider in the area.

“This is a growing region of the Gold Coast, particularly in the industrial sector, so I’m pleased this congestion busting project is now complete.

“The Palaszczuk Government has invested over $5 billion in the M1 over the past few years, from Logan all the way to the Tugun, to keep communities connected.

“As the busiest highway in the state, it’s important we continue this high level of investment.

“Congratulations to the team who have worked hard to deliver this $20 million upgrade.”