The upgrade of the Nerang South interchange (Exit 73) on the Pacific Motorway has now been completed.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese said that the project, funded by Rudd and Bligh Labor Governments would improve travel times for motorists and help ease congestion at the busy interchange.

“This is the first project completed as part of our $420 million upgrade of the Pacific Motorway from Nerang to Tugun,” Mr Albanese said.

“We have delivered the Nerang South Interchange project four months ahead of schedule. And it has supported 234 direct and indirect jobs in the Gold Coast economy.

“The Rudd Government is supporting more jobs in the local economy as we roll out further upgrades along the Pacific Motorway.

“This project is part of our $12 billion commitment to improving Network 1 (N1), the road corridor along Australia’s east coast from Melbourne to Cairns.

“We are determined to deliver vital road projects as quickly as possible to improve the quality of Gold Coast and South-East Queensland roads and sustain employment in the region.”

Queensland Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said the package of road projects being delivered on the Gold Coast was helping to not only address future growth, but also helping to protect the Queensland economy from the global recession.

“Building projects like this are important to our economy, which is why the Bligh Government is investing a record $18 billion in its infrastructure program this year,” Mr Wallace said.

“The Gold Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in one of the fastest growing states – that’s why our governments are committed to addressing congestion and planning for projected traffic growth in the area.

“The package includes upgrading four interchanges between Nerang and Varsity Lakes, the widening of the motorway between Nerang South and Worongary, and improvements at the Coomera and Worongary interchanges.”

The Mudgeeraba interchange upgrade began in February 2009 and is on-track for completion in 2010. Work began in July 2009 to upgrade the Varsity Lakes interchange to provide connections to the new Varsity Lakes railway station, and this upgrade is due for completion in 2011.

Works undertaken at the Nerang South Interchange include the replacement of the interchange roundabouts with synchronised traffic signal-controlled intersections, the building of a new four-lane overpass bridge and improvement to the on and off-ramps.

“It’s great to see the whole interchange now completed and in full swing and I’m sure road users will appreciate the efficiency this interchange will bring to traffic flow through this area,” Mr Wallace said.