Project update 

The above aerial photographs were taken this week. The photo on the left was taken near Varsity Lakes (Exit 85) looking north (towards Nerang). The photo on the right was taken just after the start of our alignment at Mudgeeraba and Robina looking south (towards Tugun).

The M1 upgrade works between Mudgeeraba (Exit 79) and Varsity Lakes (Exit 85) are in their final stages with finishing works now underway. The project is on target to be complete by mid-2020.

The darker coloured traffic lanes in the aerial photos above are the new northbound lanes with final ‘wearing course’ of asphalt now installed in these sections. Upgrade works on the southbound side are continuing with final asphalting to begin in the coming weeks.

Major works to construct a new bridge and southbound off-ramp at Stapley Drive are also in their final stages. Once complete, this area will feature the new Varsity Lakes Interchange (Exit 85) which will provide a more direct route off the motorway for motorists travelling both east (towards Scottsdale Drive) and west (towards Old Coach Road and Gemvale Road), with additional capacity across the bridge.

Next week – Tuesday 5 to Friday 8 May 2020

Due to the public holiday on Monday 5th May, night works next week will occur Tuesday to Friday nights from 6pm to 6am, with traffic impacts from 6pm to 4am. With the project now very busy along the entire alignment with finishing works, night works with changed traffic conditions are expected to be significant over the next month or two.

  • Project wide
    • Localised lane and shoulder closures will be in place nightly along the M1, on ramps and on approach roads to the M1 (including Robina Town Centre Drive, Somerset Drive, Mudgeeraba Road, Burleigh Connection Road, Robina Parkway, Stapley Drive, Gemvale Road and Old Coach Road). These closures are required for a range of works including landscape maintenance and watering, asphalting, and electrical works for the installation of Smart Motorways signage, lighting and other features. Impacts to traffic are expected to be minor with motorists diverted around the works zones.
  • Robina (Exit 82) to Varsity Lakes (Exit 85)
    • Nightly ramp closures will occur next week on both the northbound and southbound sides at Robina (Exit 82) and Varsity Lakes (Exit 85). Signage will be in place on the M1 to alert motorists. Further information will be provided next week via emailed Traffic Alerts and SMS to mobile phones (for those registered to receive information this way) to advise motorists of the location of nightly ramp closures. These ramp closures are required for the installation of asphalt and signage, the movement of concrete construction barriers and electrical works on the ramps.
    • Nightly lane closures will also be required in this section on the southbound side for the installation of steel gantries and overhead motorway signs.

During these ongoing night finishing works, motorists are advised to seek an alternative route or expect minor detours and/or delays. We thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete this important motorway upgrade.