Christmas has come early for frustrated northern Gold Coast motorists, with the long-awaited second M1 finally opening to traffic this morning.
The brand new four lane, four-kilometre stretch between Shipper Drive in Coomera and Helensvale Road in Helensvale promises a safer, faster commute for thousands who have long battled peak-hour gridlock on the notoriously congested motorway.
Stage 1 North marks the first completed section of the broader 45-kilometre Coomera Connector, which will eventually link Loganholme to the Gold Coast.
Progress is now shifting to environmental approvals for the remaining 29 kilometres and detailed design work for Stage 2, set to begin next year.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King has described the opening as a “game-changer” for locals who have spent years crawling through Coomera traffic.
“Any local that’s sat on the Coomera stretch of the M1 during peak hour traffic will know what a difference this connector will make,” Minister King said.
“The opening of the M9 will mean a safer, more reliable and smoother journey for thousands of commuters a day.
“This is not just an investment in South East Queensland’s infrastructure but in jobs and the local community.
“This new infrastructure is all about reducing travel times, and it’s arrived just in time for the Christmas break, so commuters can get home earlier to their loved ones.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg echoed the enthusiasm, calling the Coomera Connector one of the state’s largest and most important transport undertakings.
He highlighted the more than 1,000 jobs supported across Stage 1 and the 2.5 million working hours already completed, saying the project showcases the state’s commitment to building infrastructure that keeps pace with Queensland’s rapid growth.
“We’re proud to be working with the Australian Government to deliver real benefits to Queenslanders – reducing congestion, improving travel times, and supporting our growing communities,” Minister Mickelberg said.
Local representatives including Federal Member for Forde Rowan Holzberger, State Member for Coomera Michael Crandon, and Member for Theodore Mark Boothman also praised the opening as a long-awaited victory for northern Gold Coast families.
“This investment will make a real difference for families and businesses in our area, improving connectivity and supporting economic growth,” they said.
“It’s about delivering the infrastructure our community deserves, and we look forward to seeing future stages of this vital road corridor open in coming years”.
