Pacific Motorway M1 Palm Beach (Nineteenth Avenue) to Tugun
The Pacific Motorway (M1) is being upgraded between Palm Beach and Tugun (Package C) as part of the Varsity Lakes to Tugun (VL2T) upgrade.
This 5km section of the project will be:
- widening the M1 to 3 lanes in both directions
- extending entry and exit ramps
- widening and upgrading the Nineteenth Avenue overpass
- constructing a new signalised intersection at KP McGrath Drive
- including active transport connections for the full length of the western service road
- upgrading existing pedestrian and bike access across the Nineteenth Avenue overpass
- improving pedestrian paths through the Palm Beach interchange and beyond to Guineas Creek Road
- using smart motorway technologies to help reduce 'stop-start' travel on the motorway
- replacing the existing concrete road surface with stone mastic asphalt for a quieter and easier maintained road surface
- preserving a corridor for a potential future rail extension.
Benefits
- Improves safety
- Better road access
- Increases capacity
- Reduces travel time
- Reduces peak hour congestion
- Better active transport
Key features
Palm Beach Interchange (Exit 92)
Exit 92 will be upgraded to improve safety on both sides of the M1 for motorists, pedestrians, and bike riders. The northbound off-ramp will be moved further north so that instead of ending at the Palm Beach Avenue underpass, it will connect safely into a new signalised intersection at KP McGrath Drive.
The southbound off-ramp will be extended and combined with the Currumbin (Exit 93) off-ramp. For motorists heading to Sarawak Avenue, they will take the Exit 92 off-ramp, continue along a dedicated service lane that is immediately adjacent to, but separated from, the M1 by a concrete barrier, and exit at the signalised intersection at Sarawak Avenue.
KP McGrath Drive
KP McGrath Drive will be a pivotal intersection, with the new western service road and relocated northbound Exit 92 off-ramp meeting at this point. Traffic signals will be installed at the KP McGrath Drive intersection to safely cater for these additional movements as well as the northbound Exit 92 on-ramp.
Two-way western service road
The VL2T upgrade includes a new western service road with 1 lane in each direction, starting from the Tallebudgera Interchange (Exit 89) in Package B and continuing south to Palm Beach (Exit 92). A 4-way signalised intersection will connect the new service road to Nineteenth Avenue to provide locals with alternative options when trying to access the M1.
Nineteenth Avenue overpass
The Nineteenth Avenue overpass and approaches will be upgraded to improve access to the M1 and surrounding local roads. A new signalised intersection will connect Nineteenth Avenue to the new 2-way western service road. The overpass bridge will be reconstructed to allow for the motorway widening, while active transport paths will be provided across the overpass and north and south on the service road.
Funding
The Pacific Motorway M1 Palm Beach to Tugun project is being delivered as Package C of the Pacific Motorway M1 Varsity Lakes to Tugun upgrade. Investment ID 852582
- Total investment
- $1.5 billion
- Australian Government
- $750 million
- Queensland Government
- $750 million
Current status
On the evening of 20 February 2023, a new 1-way eastern service road is opening. Motorists wanting to access Sarawak Avenue and Guineas Creek Road, and the suburbs of Currumbin and Elanora, will now need to take the southbound Exit 92 off-ramp from the M1 to access the new eastern service road.
This new road links Palm Beach Avenue to Sarawak Avenue (and Guineas Creek Road) and provides an alternative route for locals to get to schools, shops and recreational facilities, without entering the M1.
Motorists heading south will still enter the motorway at the Exit 92 on-ramp.
For safety reasons, the southbound Exit 93 off-ramp will permanently close at this time.
Project map
Key milestones
- March 2020: Community information sessions held to obtain feedback on the design.
- Mid-2020: Design finalised on Package C Palm Beach to Tugun.
- September 2020: Construction contract awarded.
- October 2020: Construction started on Package C Palm Beach (Nineteenth Avenue) to Tugun.
- 2024: Package C expected to open progressively.
Project updates
Package C is a very constrained and well-developed corridor. While motorists can expect reduced speed limits and increased traffic congestion during construction, residents adjacent to the motorway should register their contact details with the project team to ensure they are aware of construction activities that are likely to include an extensive night work program.
