Burleigh to Palm Beach Motorway Upgrade

The Burleigh to Palm Beach Motorway Upgrade forms part of the 10 kilometre M1 Varsity Lakes to Tugun Upgrade, improving capacity, safety and travel-time reliability along one of South East Queensland’s busiest transport corridors. The project supports the region’s continued growth while strengthening connections for freight, commuters and active transport users.

Awarded to the SMA Infrastructure Joint Venture by the Department of Transport and Main Roads in November 2020, this $392 million project encompasses a 3.2 kilometre section of the M1 between Burleigh and Palm Beach. The upgrade has been designed to accommodate future traffic demand while enhancing network performance for local communities, the tourism industry and the national freight network. Environmental and sustainability outcomes have been a key focus throughout delivery, including the incorporation of fauna underpasses, innovative pavement recycling through rubblisation, and extensive landscaping and habitat enhancement works that contribute to long-term environmental resilience.