Liberal National Party Leader Tim Nicholls has announced a plan to end the traffic chaos on the M1 Pacific Motorway to get Gold Coasters home safer and sooner.
The LNP has committed $250 million towards building a Second M1 which will act as an alternative to the existing Pacific Motorway running between Nerang-Broadbeach Road and Stapylton-Jacobs Well Road.
Mr Nicholls said the M1 was regularly crippled by traffic and accidents and an alternative was needed.
“Gold Coasters are sick of sitting in traffic day in, day out. Our plan for a Second M1 will get people home from work sooner,” he said.
“Labor isn’t interested in fixing the M1, instead they have focused on political brawls with the Federal Government and have dismissed an alternative route out of hand.
“By contrast, we will work constructively with the Federal Government to build this new four-lane arterial.”
LNP Shadow Main Roads Minister Andrew Powell said the LNP had received overwhelming support for an alternative M1 through an online petition and feedback from Gold Coast LNP candidates talking to the community.
“It’s clear the Gold Coast wants the congestion on the M1 fixed,” Mr Powell said.
“Locals want a Second M1 to ensure they can get home in the case of an accident or traffic gridlock.”
LNP Deputy Leader and Shadow Infrastructure Minister Deb Frecklington said the $500 million project was a top priority for the SEQ Council of Mayors.
“Constructing the Second M1 will support more than 1500 local jobs and the LNP’s Buy Local policy will give local businesses more opportunities,” she said.
“The LNP will build the roads, bridges and dams we need to Build a Better Queensland.”
