Australia- In a significant move to enhance traffic flow and reduce travel time, the Australian and Queensland governments have jointly committed $1 billion to the third and final stage of the M1 North upgrade program—the M1 Pacific Motorway, Daisy Hill to Logan Motorway project. This endeavor is a crucial component of the broader M1 Pacific Motorway capacity upgrade, aiming to alleviate congestion and enhance safety along the vital Brisbane to New South Wales corridor.
The proposed upgrades encompass widening approximately 10km of the M1 from 6–8 to 8–10 lanes, effectively addressing the current overcapacity issues in the 10km section between Daisy Hill and Loganholme. This expansion is expected to accommodate the ever-growing traffic demands, with the M1 currently witnessing over 150,000 vehicles per day. Without intervention, the associated problems of congestion, safety concerns, and limited alternatives to private vehicle travel are projected to result in an annual cost of $374 million by 2041.
One of the key features of the project includes the extension of the South East Busway from Springwood station to Mandew Street. This expansion aims to improve access to public transport, offering commuters a more efficient and sustainable option. Additionally, the proposal includes the construction of three new bus stations and two park ‘n’ rides, providing further convenience and encouraging the use of public transportation.
Active transport infrastructure is also a focal point of the project, with plans to extend the Veloway (V1) by approximately 9km. This move aims to promote cycling as a viable mode of transportation and improve local active transport paths. Major upgrades are also planned for key interchanges such as Paradise Road, Mandew Street, Grandis Street, and Beenleigh-Redland Bay Road, ensuring a smoother and safer flow of traffic.
The M1 Pacific Motorway upgrade is being executed in a three-stage rolling program, with the first stage, M1/M3 Gateway Merge upgrade, completed in May 2020. The second stage, Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill upgrade, is currently under construction. The third and final stage, the Daisy Hill to Logan Motorway upgrade, is currently in the business case phase as of January 2024.
While no fixed timeframes have been established for the project’s completion, the strategic planning and meticulous execution indicate a commitment to addressing the critical issues associated with the overburdened M1 Pacific Motorway. The business case for the Daisy Hill to Logan Motorway upgrade was finalized in June 2023, paving the way for the current planning phase.
The M1 Pacific Motorway is a crucial link in the National Land Transport Network, connecting Brisbane and New South Wales. The Daisy Hill to Loganholme section, part of the Eight Mile Plains to Tugun corridor, is listed on the Infrastructure Priority List at Stage 2 as M1 Pacific Motorway capacity: Eight Mile Plains to Tugun. This emphasizes the strategic importance of the South East Queensland section in connecting key population and employment centers of Brisbane, Logan, and the Gold Coast.
As the project unfolds, it is expected to not only alleviate immediate congestion and safety concerns but also contribute to the long-term economic and social benefits of the region. The commitment of both the Australian and Queensland governments highlights the collaborative effort to create a more efficient and sustainable transportation network for the growing population and evolving needs of South East Queensland.
