Questions raised over Coomera Connector: RACQ
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RACQ has urged the State Government to release more detail about its plans for the Coomera Connector after it was revealed the first stage designs of the $1.5 billion road project may be reduced from six to four lanes in some sections.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported the first stage of the new road, between Nerang-Broadbeach Road and Shipper Drive at Coomera, could initially have a reduced number of lanes in operation with additional lanes to be added as part of future upgrades.
RACQ Head of Public Policy Rebecca Michael said more details were needed on where the lane reductions would occur and how it would help ease traffic snarls and improve safety.
“The Coomera Connector is being built to alleviate pressure on the heavily congested Pacific Motorway, but we need to know if this lane configuration will be able to accommodate expected traffic volumes for local trips and future freight demand,” Dr Michael said.
“We need to ensure the Coomera Connector Stage 1 project is fit for purpose and won’t need ongoing upgrades shortly after completion, which would lead to issues we currently see on the Bruce Highway and Gateway Motorway with continual roadworks reducing capacity.
“With the M1 already crippled with congestion, the Coomera Connector’s reported 10 year time frame won’t support our economic recovery and ongoing growth in the short to medium term, so it really needs to be fast-tracked and delivered as soon as possible.”
Dr Michael said the corridor needed to be multi-modal, with active and public transport options integrated into the design, to accommodate the high population growth in the Gold Coast.
“The northern Gold Coast has suffered from excess congestion due to poorly managed housing growth with inadequate public transport options,” she said.
“All State Government road upgrades require the inclusion of high-quality cycling infrastructure, so this road needs a segregated cycle lane to be delivered to provide safe and sustainable travel opportunities for the whole community.
RACQ Head of Public Policy Rebecca Michael said more details were needed on where the lane reductions would occur and how it would help ease traffic snarls and improve safety.
“The Coomera Connector is being built to alleviate pressure on the heavily congested Pacific Motorway, but we need to know if this lane configuration will be able to accommodate expected traffic volumes for local trips and future freight demand,” Dr Michael said.
“We need to ensure the Coomera Connector Stage 1 project is fit for purpose and won’t need ongoing upgrades shortly after completion, which would lead to issues we currently see on the Bruce Highway and Gateway Motorway with continual roadworks reducing capacity.
“With the M1 already crippled with congestion, the Coomera Connector’s reported 10 year time frame won’t support our economic recovery and ongoing growth in the short to medium term, so it really needs to be fast-tracked and delivered as soon as possible.”
Dr Michael said the corridor needed to be multi-modal, with active and public transport options integrated into the design, to accommodate the high population growth in the Gold Coast.
“The northern Gold Coast has suffered from excess congestion due to poorly managed housing growth with inadequate public transport options,” she said.
“All State Government road upgrades require the inclusion of high-quality cycling infrastructure, so this road needs a segregated cycle lane to be delivered to provide safe and sustainable travel opportunities for the whole community.
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