Connector strategy’s low impact
THE Coomera Connector’s first stage from Nerang to Coomera is to be built in three sections with the biggest challenges being bridge crossings and soft soils in flood-prone areas.
A business case study for the first time shows how the state Transport Department will attempt to reduce the impact on new suburban estates at Helensvale and Arundel.
Townhouses at Arundel Springs, closest to the corridor, will have large clear screens built next to the second M1, artist impressions reveal.
Luxury homes at The Surrounds, Helensvale, will have a green strip of shrubs next to the elevated highway.
The bridge crossing at the Coomera River has been updated to feature four lanes in a divided six-lane carriageway, with the new structure built west of the existing rail line crossing.
New details in the business study show:
STAGE 1 North includes a new bridge crossing over the Coomera River and interchanges at Shipper Drive in the north and Helensvale Rd in the south. It will be delivered first using a competitive Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) model. An early works agreement was awarded in November 2021 to enable the design to be finalised. Construction will start following environmental approvals from late 2022. STAGE 1 Central contains the complex and key interchanges with the Gold Coast Highway and Smith St Motorway. These include the soft soil areas near the Gold Coast Highway, and the interfaces with the light rail system and heavy rail line. This will be delivered as “a single package”. Requests for proposals were released to industry in early November 2021. A design and construct contract is expected to be awarded in late 2022. STAGE 1 South includes the grade separated interchange at Southport-nerang Rd and a new bridge crossing of the Nerang River to connect to Nerang-broadbeach Rd. A design contract is expected to be awarded this month.
Contractors must develop and implement detailed construction management plans to reduce the impacts of dust, noise, light and vibration on neighbouring communities.
The Gold Coast Highway and Smith St Motorway interchanges are considered the most complex.