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.
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Sector
Marine, Transport
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Client
Department of Transport and Main Roads
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Location
Southern Gold Coast, QLD
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Duration
November 2020 - May 2025
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Value
$392M
Project Scope
- Construction works to increase the M1 to a minimum of three lanes in each direction along a 3.2-kilometre corridor
- Upgraded the Tallebudgera Interchange
- Constructed six new bridges and widened three existing motorway bridges
- Built the northern section of a new two-way western service road from Tallebudgera to Palm Beach
- Delivered fauna underpasses to support wildlife movement
- Installed active transport connections to improve pedestrian and cyclist access
- Integrated smart motorway technologies to improve traffic flow
- Replaced the existing concrete road surface with stone mastic asphalt using rubblisation methods
