Coomera Connector

The Coomera Connector (sometimes referred to as the Second M1), is a future state-controlled north-south transport corridor between Loganholme and Nerang, east of the Pacific Motorway (M1) and the heavy train line.

The new road will be an alternative to the M1, providing more transport capacity to support the rapidly growing residential and business communities in the northern Gold Coast and neighbouring Logan areas.

The complete gazetted corridor extends for 45km between the Logan Motorway and Pacific Motorway interchange in Loganholme and Nerang–Broadbeach Road in Nerang. 

The Coomera Connector will be delivered in sections: 

  • Southern section - Stage 1 between Coomera and Nerang will be delivered in 3 packages:
    • Stage 1 North: Shipper Drive, Coomera to Helensvale Road, Helensvale
    • Stage 1 Central: Helensvale Road, Helensvale to Smith Street Motorway, Molendinar
    • Stage 1 South: Smith Street Motorway, Molendinar to Nerang-Broadbeach Road, Nerang.

Coomera Connector alignment map

Coomera Connector

Video Transcript

The M1 is a key part of Australia’s national land transport network.

Rapidly expanding residential and industrial communities and high levels of projected population growth between Brisbane and the Gold Coast are contributing to the increasing congestion on the M1.

The Queensland Government is planning a new transport corridor that will take pressure off the M1, increasing safety for all road users.

Starting in the south at Nerang Broadbeach Road at Nerang, the new Coomera Connector corridor will be located to the east of the M1 and will travel through the busy growth centre of Coomera and connect with the Logan and Pacific Motorway interchanges.

The corridor will be wide enough for up to 6 lanes of traffic and will include provision for public transport, cyclists and pedestrians.

While still in the early planning phase at present, the Coomera Connector is one of a number of options being considered to address congestion issues on the M1.

The Coomera Connector is expected to play a complementary role to the M1, cutting travel time between Brisbane and the Gold Coast by reducing the number of trips taken on the M1, while also improving connections and providing more transport options for communities in the growing northern Gold Coast corridor.

To find out more about the Coomera Connector, visit tmr.qld.gov.au/coomeraconnector

Benefits

  • Improves safety
  • Increases capacity
  • Improves network efficiency
  • Increases traffic flow
  • Reduces peak hour congestion
  • Reduces interchange queuing
  • Reduces travel time
  • Contributes to economy
  • Better active transport

Key features

  • Relieve pressure on the M1 by providing an alternative route for local traffic and additional crossings of the Logan, Albert, Coomera and Nerang rivers. 
  • Provide improved connections and accessibility to more transport options on the northern Gold Coast.
  • Improve travel time between Brisbane and the Gold Coast by reducing the number of local trips on the M1.
  • Improve safety on the M1 by reducing congestion and potential queuing at interchanges.
  • Provide more reliable travel times between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Background

The Coomera Connector (formerly known as the Intra Regional Transport Corridor) will be a key link in an expanded road transport network between Loganholme and the Gold Coast, where residential and business communities are growing rapidly.

Since the 1990s, the corridor has been identified in various public planning documents, such as published street directories, regional transport plans, planning studies and City of Gold Coast planning schemes.

A joint 2015 study between TMR and City of Gold Coast confirmed the corridor as a future strategic transport link that will relieve traffic congestion on the M1 and surrounding local roads.

The Coomera Connector was formally declared a future state-controlled road, confirmed in the Queensland Government Gazette in 3 sections, the:

  • Nerang to Coomera section on 18 March 2016
  • Coomera to Stapylton section on 12 May 2017
  • Stapylton to Loganholme section on 15 March 2019.

Formal confirmation of the corridor in the Queensland Government Gazette allows the corridor to be protected from new development and provides certainty for property owners, business and residential communities on the northern Gold Coast.

Our team continues to liaise with property owners when dealing with land sales and development applications. Early acquisition of properties by TMR may occur in some circumstances. 

Community consultation

Initial community consultation on the Coomera Connector was undertaken in late 2019.

The consultation program included a series of 10 community drop-in sessions along the 45km project corridor, plus online engagement activities.

There was significant interest from the community with 3200 visits to the website, more than 2000 people visiting the community drop-in sessions to talk with the project team, and 700 pieces of feedback received.

A telephone survey of 1000 residents and businesses revealed 4 out of 5 people in the project corridor area support the introduction of the Coomera Connector.

Further consultation was carried out in late 2020 and early 2021.

Read more about community consultation for Coomera Connector (Stage 1) and Coomera Connector (Future stages) projects.

31 Projects in Coomera Connector

 The North Coast Line meanders through the Glass House Mountains

Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade (Stage 1)

The Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade will increase the capacity and reliability of the North Coast Line, enabling more efficient travel and improved passenger and freight connections between the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Brisbane and beyond.

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Brisbane-Beenleigh Road, Kingston Road and Compton Road, upgrade intersection

Design is complete for the upgrade of Brisbane-Beenleigh Road (Kingston Road) and Compton Road intersection.

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Bruce Highway (Gympie – Maryborough), Tiaro Bypass, construct four lane bypass

Planning is complete and the detailed design stage has commenced for a new four-lane section of the Bruce Highway to the east of Tiaro. The project will increase the flood immunity, safety and efficiency of the Bruce Highway and future-proof the road to cater for growing traffic volumes. It will also remove a significant number of heavy vehicles from the Tiaro township, improving safety and liveability for residents.

Gairloch floodway on the Bruce Highway north of Ingham

Bruce Highway (Ingham – Innisfail), Gairloch Floodway, improve safety

Detailed design is underway to improve safety and reduce flood-related closures on a complex section of the Bruce Highway at the Gairloch floodway, located about 6km north of Ingham.

Side of Old Toorbul Point Road

Caboolture-Bribie Island Road, Old Toorbul Point Road to Saint Road

The department has completed detailed design for the duplication of Caboolture-Bribie Island Road between Old Toorbul Point Road and Saint Road, including signalisation of the Volz Road intersection.

Concept design map

Cairns Western Arterial Road, Redlynch Connector Road to Captain Cook Highway, duplication

The department is undertaking a $300 million project to duplicate the Cairns Western Arterial Road between Redlynch Connector Road and Captain Cook Highway.

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Cannon Hill Shopping Centre bus facility, design bus station

The Cannon Hill Shopping Centre bus facility is proposed to be upgraded.

Coomera Connector Future stages Foxwell street - October 2023

Coomera Connector (Future stages) Loganholme to Coomera, planning

Planning is underway for the future stages of the Coomera Connector – the remaining 29km between Loganholme and Coomera.

Artist's impression of a road crossing a river

Coomera Connector (Stage 1)

The Stage 1 section of the Coomera Connector between Coomera and Nerang has been identified as the priority section to be built first.

Ridgevale Drive Helensvale, artist impression

Coomera Connector Stage 1 Central

Coomera Connector (Stage 1) is around 16km long and will be delivered in 3 construction packages. Stage 1 Central is the 8km section from Helensvale Road to Smith Street Motorway.

Coomera River Bridge under construction

Coomera Connector Stage 1 North

Coomera Connector (Stage 1) is around 16km and will be delivered in 3 construction packages. Stage 1 North, which is currently under construction, is the 4km section from Shipper Drive to Helensvale Road.

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Coomera Connector Stage 1 South

Early works will be underway in mid-2024 for the Coomera Connector Stage 1 South package from Smith Street Motorway to Nerang-Broadbeach Road.

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Coominya Connection Road, Buaraba Creek, replace timber bridge

The Buaraba Creek timber bridge replacement project will improve safety and network reliability by replacing the existing narrow, timber bridge (Neithe Bridge) with a new wider, two-lane, concrete structure in the same location.

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Cunningham Highway (Ipswich – Warwick), Tregony to Maryvale, improve safety and Cunningham Highway (Ipswich – Warwick), various locations, improve safety

The project involves investigating safety improvements to provide a better driving experience for all road users and reduce the risk of fatal and serious injury crashes.

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Cunningham Highway (Warwick – Inglewood), improve safety

This project involves investigating safety improvements to provide a better driving experience for all road users and reduce the risk of fatal and serious injury crashes.

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David Low Way cycle facility

On-road bicycle lanes are being constructed to improve safety at Marcoola and Mudjimba.

Aerial image of Kuranda Range Road, showing large green trees and a curved road which has temporary stabilisation repairs following a major landslip on the side of the road.

Far North Queensland 2024 cyclone reconstruction works

Repairs are underway across Far North Queensland as a result of Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023. This event caused severe damage to the state-controlled road network due to record rainfall.

Thumbnail of map showing the proposed expansion of parking facilities at Gaythorne train station park 'n' ride

Gaythorne train station park 'n' ride, design and land acquisition

Detailed design has started for future expansion of parking facilities at Gaythorne station.

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Glass House Mountains Road (Steve Irwin Way) and Caloundra Street intersection upgrade

The department will deliver a new signalised intersection on Glass House Mountains Road, known locally as Steve Irwin Way, at Caloundra Street, Landsborough.

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Gore Highway (Toowoomba – Millmerran) and Toowoomba–Athol Road, improve safety

Detailed design for safety improvements of the Gore Highway (Toowoomba – Millmerran) and Toowoomba–Athol Road between James Street and Wyreema–Athol Road are underway.

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Gympie – Brooloo Road, design active transport crossings

Detailed design is underway for active transport bridges and pathways to connect Southside to Gympie's CBD and surrounds.

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Isis Highway upgrade, Biggenden rail overpass

The department has investigated options to improve the ageing timber bridge overpass on the Isis Highway at Biggenden.

Map showing the proposed alignment for Mooloolaba to Maroochydore Cycleway

Mooloolaba to Maroochydore cycleway, design cycleway

The department is partnering with Sunshine Coast Council to deliver the Mooloolaba to Maroochydore cycleway which will provide a bicycle path connecting Mooloolaba to Maroochydore.

Nicklin Way looking south towards Caloundra at the location where Third Avenue will connect 1

Nicklin Way, Third Avenue extension, new intersection

An ultimate project footprint has been identified for the Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade, including the Nicklin Way, Third Avenue extension.

An aerial view of the Pacific Motorway Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill upgrade project.

Pacific Motorway, Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill Upgrade

Work is being undertaken on the Pacific Motorway, Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill Upgrade, to improve 8kms of the Pacific Motorway (M1) between the Gateway Motorway and Watland Street.

Pialba–Burrum Heads Road, O’Regan Creek, upgrade existing floodway project location map

Pialba–Burrum Heads Road, O’Regan Creek, upgrade existing floodway

This upgrade will improve flood resilience for Hervey Bay and surrounding communities and involves pavement realignment, widening and culvert upgrades.

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Proserpine - Shute Harbour Road, Paluma Road to Tropic Road (Cannonvale), duplication

An upgrade is being delivered to a 1.5km section of Proserpine-Shute Harbour Road in Cannonvale.

Sunshine Motorway, Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade (Stage 1)

The Sunshine Motorway, Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade will address well-known safety and congestion issues that are forecast to increase due to regional population growth and development, while also delivering improved north-south connectivity on the Sunshine Coast.

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Toowoomba Connection Road, James Street and Hume Street, upgrade intersection

Detailed design of safety improvements for the Toowoomba Connection Road intersections with Hume Street and Neil Street is underway.

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Toowoomba–Cecil Plains Road, improve safety

Detailed design commenced in October 2023 and is expected to be completed in June 2024.

Warrego Highway Mount Crosby upgrade project area aerial image

Warrego Highway (Ipswich - Toowoomba) and Mount Crosby Road interchange

The department has completed planning to identify a preferred option for the upgrade of Warrego Highway – Mount Crosby Road interchange.