Horrors up ahead if no motorway fix
THE Pacific Motorway will reach “excessive levels” beyond capacity and drop to a 37km/h crawl within four years, a new report reveals.
Key findings from the research are being called a “nightmare scenario” for motorists.
A business case for the Coomera Connector, the second M1 designed to take 60,000 cars off the Pacific Motorway, details the alarming research showing why the alternative road must not be stalled.
“Overall, the M1 between Helensvale and Beenleigh will, by 2031, be ranked second worst in Queensland during both the AM and PM peaks and the fifth most congested road in the AM peak in Australia,” the study said.
“Congestion during peak hours at the Coomera River and Nerang River crossings will reach excessive levels significantly above the daily capacity by 2026.”
Bonney MP Sam O’connor told state parliament this week that the M1 had reached “unbearable congestion” and the Coomera Connector had been delayed by another six months.
The public environment report due mid-year was now pushed back to the end of the year.
Key findings in the redacted version of the 1000-page business study are:
• Without investment, a morning peak trip from Coomera Town Centre to Southport will increase by 150 per cent, from 23 minutes in 2016 to 58 minutes in 2041.
•A trip from Brisbane to Southport will increase by 77 per cent over the same time period.
• By 2041, the Coomera River crossing is forecast to be approximately 50 per cent over capacity during peak periods and the Nerang River will be approximately 20 per cent over capacity. Increasing congestion will impact travel speeds and travel times along the M1.
• The average speed between Coomera and Nerang (Exits 54 to 73) is forecast to reduce from 92km/h in the northbound AM peak and 81 km/h in the southbound PM peak in 2016 to 46km/h and 37km/h in 2041.
• Substantial increases in travel time are expected, with a trip (car or freight) between Nielsens Rd, Nerang and Coomera Town Centre increasing 166 per cent in 2041.
“Without intervention, the viability of the M1 as an interregional and freight route is threatened,” the report added.
The business case uses research from 2019 that explains why so many stoppages are now occurring on the M1.
At least 3853 incidents were recorded during 12 months – on average 10.5 a day.
Consultants found the $2.16bn first stage of the 16km-long Coomera Connector between Coomera and Nerang will provide a net value of $1.5bn due to saved working costs from reduced traffic congestion.
The business case summary confirms an earlier report in the Bulletin that the first stage will be four lanes (two in each direction) to “meet demand for 10-15 years”.
“Major bridge structures at key locations will include provision for future six-lane capacity,” the report said.
But there will be engineering challenges such as soft soils and protection of wildlife, including koala habitat.
“Soft soils often occur in low-lying areas and near to waterways that are prone to flooding and inundation,” the report said.
“Where this occurs bridge structures may be extended instead of carrying out extensive ground treatment works.”
Mr O’connor told the Bulletin the government had not planned for growth.
“The near-term projections paint a nightmare scenario for Gold Coasters,” he said. “The M1 reached the capacity it was built for three years ago and it’s the only road we have to drive between Carrara and the cane fields.”
The drive back from Brisbane was taking an hour and a half instead of an hour, Mr O’connor added.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the government was investing more than $5bn in the region on roads and rail over the next four years alone as the population boomed.
“This is in stark contrast to only $700m listed in the last budget under Campbell Newman, David Crisafulli and the LNP,” he said.
“The LNP have quite a hide criticising when it was the Palaszczuk Labor government who secured the full 45km Coomera Connector corridor in record time after the LNP blocked the project when in power as reported in the Gold Coast Bulletin at the time.
“Slippery Sam complains the second M1 isn’t being built quick enough, yet if he was honest he’d admit his own LNP only offered a puny 6km mini version at the last election.
“Early works are happening right now with major construction ramping up later this year only because of the commitment from the Palaszczuk Labor government.”