Fears M1 fix for Exit 57 ‘will end in tears’
THE State Government says this new design will fix one of the Gold Coast’s worst intersections on the Pacific Motorway at Oxenford.
But Opposition MPs and the area councillor believe the plans, for a $25 million upgrade of Exit 57 on the M1 at Oxenford, may have a fatal flaw that will affect local traffic.
While additional lanes are being welcomed, the changes will prevent motorists leaving the busy Oxenford shopping precinct west of the M1 and crossing the interchange to turn right to drive back south on the highway.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey yesterday released plans which show additional turning lanes will be built from the M1 to Hope Island and Tamborine-Oxenford roads and new on-road cycle lanes.
Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon said the Government was about to deliver on an election commitment that would provide 75 jobs throughout the life of the project.
“The design gives motorists and residents their first opportunity to get a sense of what the upgrade of Exit 57 might look like and how it could operate,” Ms Scanlon said.
Helensvale-based councillor William Owen-Jones welcomed the announcement but has concerns about local traffic leaving the busy Bunnings and Kmart shopping precinct not being able to turn right on the M1.
“I’m grateful for the State Government recognising the ongoing congestion at Exit 57,” he said. “I’m looking forward to receiving advice from city officers regarding any impact to adjacent roads, in particular I’m concerned about the removal of righthand turns.”
Broadwater MP David Crisafulli said: “This Exit 57 upgrade is an unmitigated disaster. It will end in tears.
“It restricts the most important movement which is a right-hand turn from all of the shops on Old Pacific Highway on to the motorway and to Hope Island. It will cruel them.”
Theordore MP Mark Boothman spoke to retailers and their thoughts echoed some of the comments by residents on the Bulletin’s Facebook page.
“My four-year-old daughter could have done a better job at designing the intersection,” Mr Boothman said.
“They’re spending $25 million on line markings, that’s all they’re doing.”
The Government confirmed that as the detailed design progresses, specific project inclusions will be decided based on their potential to increase capacity and safety. The project is due to finish in late 2020.
Ms Scanlon said solar panels at the interchange would be removed temporarily to give work crews access to the construction site.