Games in a jam over M1
THREE oft-quoted factors that will supposedly mitigate traffic chaos during the Commonwealth Games have been unable to halt consecutive days of M1 gridlock.
A day after holiday traffic plunged the motorway into a virtual 60km traffic jam, southbound motorists experienced a 27km crawl from Springwood to Helensvale late yesterday morning.
At the same time the 38km section of the M1 from Robina to Tugun was barely moving, while major arterial roads such as Marine Pde at Labrador and Southport were also jammed.
Frustrated motorists and residents took to social media, with many echoing the concerns of LNP leader Deb Frecklington about what will happen during the Games if “the M1 is a carpark”.
“How the hell is the M1 going to cope when the Games are on?” posted Rhonda Loweke. “Gold Coast (is) going to be a joke.”
Of concern for Games bosses is the jams have unfolded during school holidays, outside peak hour and despite light rail stage two being operational.
In addition to initiatives such as park ‘n’ rides, increased public transport and additional towing vehicles to clear accidents, GOLDOC chairman Peter Beattie has repeatedly highlighted the timing of the Games when addressing traffic concerns.
“What people see of the M1 now isn’t what they’ll see during the Games,” he said at a recent press conference.
“Don’t forget most of the events aren’t held in peak hours. You’ve (also) got school holidays.”
GOLDOC chief executive Mark Peters used the same media briefing to stress the positive impact this month’s launch of the light rail from Helensvale would have on the road network.
Asked to comment yesterday, Mr Beattie repeated his assertion that traffic loads would be reduced during the Games due to school holidays and the “deliberate scheduling” of events outside peak traffic periods.
“There will also be increased heavy rail capacity and stage two of the light rail will be operational,” he said.
“GOLDOC has worked for several years with all levels of government to develop a comprehensive plan for ensuring the ease of traffic flow at Games time.
“The State Government is also working with the City of Gold Coast all the way up until April to assess and make necessary changes to the transport system. We are confident these initiatives plus strong transport usage will ensure a strong transport network for GC2018.”