The Federal and Queensland governments today announced a $21 million contract has been awarded to Probuild Civil (Qld) Pty Ltd as part of the $80 million upgrade of the Varsity Lakes Interchange (Exit 85) on the Pacific Motorway.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure Anthony Albanese said this jointly funded project would improve travel times for motorists and help ease congestion at this busy interchange.

“In partnership with the Bligh Labor Government, we are determined to deliver this vital road project as quickly as possible,” said Mr Albanese.

“The global recession will not stop us investing in the infrastructure vital to Australia’s long term economic prosperity. In fact by doing so we are supporting jobs at a time when that support is needed most.

“We are putting people to work building the transport infrastructure so desperately needed by the residents of south east Queensland.”

Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said work would progress quickly on the interchange upgrade with contractors Trackstar Alliance starting early works at the southbound off-ramp and the new connection across to Scottsdale Drive this week.

“With better traffic flow through the signalised intersections at the interchange, there will be reduced queuing onto the motorway through Reedy Creek,” Mr Wallace said.

“This project will also help sustain about 183 direct and indirect over the life of the project.

“The Department of Transport and Main Roads has been working with Queensland Rail to provide access to the new Varsity Lakes Rail Station when it opens in late 2009.

“This interchange upgrade and the new rail station demonstrate the State and Federal governments’ commitment to delivering transport solutions on the Gold Coast.

“Work starting on this interchange is great news for the people of the Gold Coast and it’s expected to be completed in early 2011, weather permitting.”

The upgrade is part of the State and Federal governments’ $420 million commitment to upgrade interchanges between Nerang and Varsity Lakes, which includes improvements at the Coomera Interchange and widening sections of the motorway between Nerang and Worongary to six lanes.

Work to upgrade the Nerang South Interchange (Exit 73) began in February 2008 and is expected to be finished in September, weather permitting. The Mudgeeraba Interchange (Exit 79) upgrade started in February this year and is due for completion in late 2010.