QLD contractor proposals requested for $1.5 billion Coomera Connector

Impression of the Coomera Connector courtesy of the Queensland Government.

The Federal and Queensland Governments have invited Queensland construction companies to submit proposals for the $1.5 billion Coomera Connector project.

Running between Coomera and Nerang on the Gold Coast, this major project is often refereed to as the ‘second M1’.

An industry briefing was held on December 2nd to inform the market about the project, which is expected to create 700 jobs.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the Federal Government is keen to get construction work started in 2021.

“The M1 is Queensland’s busiest road and the local community knows this is going to be an absolute game-changer,” Tudge said.

“This is critical to busting congestion, supporting a growing Gold Coast and boosting the economy as we recover from COVID.”

Stage one of the Coomera Connector, worth $1.5 billion, will stretch 16 kilometres and be delivered in three seperate construction packages.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said this approach will provide more opportunity for local contractors to be involved. It will also allow for the road to open progressively over four years.

“Our complete 16 kilometre Stage one between Coomera and the AFL stadium will take up to 60,000 vehicles a day off the M1 and create another 700 new jobs on top of the 1,600 supported by our current M1 and light rail projects,” Bailey said.

The first package in Stage one will likely include roadworks from Shipper Drive in Coomera to Helensvale Road in Helensvale. The business case is still being finalised.

Package two will follow from Helensvale Road to Smith Street Motorway and the third package will cover the section from Smith Street Motorway to Nerang-Broadbeach Road.

The Federal and Queensland governments have committed a total of $1.53 billion (on a 50:50 basis) to plan and build Stage 1 of the Coomera Connector between Coomera and Nerang.