Pacific Motorway M1 Burleigh to Palm Beach (Nineteenth Avenue)
The M1 between Burleigh and Palm Beach (Package B) has been upgraded as part of the Varsity Lakes to Tugun (VL2T) upgrade. Package B included significant environmental features through this section of the upgrade.
In this 3km section, Package B included the following:
- widened the M1 to a minimum of 3 lanes in both directions
- upgraded the Tallebudgera Interchange (Exit 89)
- constructed 6 new bridges and widened existing motorway bridges
- constructed the northern section of a new 2-way western service road starting at Tallebudgera (Exit 89) and continuing through to Palm Beach (Exit 92)
- built a fauna underpass 15-metres wide and 55-metres long to connect the Burleigh to Springbrook bioregional wildlife corridor
- continued the connection of a dedicated active transport path from Varsity Lakes that transitioned to active transport paths on the new western service road (Booningba Drive)
- installed smart motorway technologies to help reduce 'stop-start' travel on the motorway
- replaced the existing concrete road surface with stone mastic asphalt for a quieter and easier maintained road surface
- preserved a corridor for a potential future rail extension.
Benefits
- Improves safety
- Better road access
- Increases capacity
- Reduces travel time
- Better active transport
- Reduces peak hour congestion
Key features
Tallebudgera Interchange (Exit 89) upgrade
Exit 89 at Tallebudgera was completely reconstructed to remove the northbound carriageway loop ramps. Signalised intersections ensure safer travel through the interchange for motorists, bike riders and pedestrians, and has provided a dedicated bridge across Tallebudgera Creek for the new western service road (Booningba Drive). New traffic signals were installed at the Township Drive and Tsipura Drive intersection.
Two-way western service road (Booningba Drive)
The VL2T upgrade includes a new western service road named Booningba Drive, with one lane in each direction, starting from the Tallebudgera Interchange (Exit 89) in Package B and continuing south to Palm Beach (Exit 92) as part of Package C. A 4-way signalised intersection now connects Booningba Drive to Nineteenth Avenue to provide locals with alternative options when accessing the M1 and moving around their neighbourhoods.
Active transport connections
The new shared bike and pedestrian path constructed in Package A continues south from Burleigh to Tallebudgera, where it transitions to off-road paths along Booningba Drive. New active transport options have also been included across Tallebudgera Interchange, connecting through to Township Drive and Tallebudgera Creek Road.
Environmental features
Package B features significant environmental improvements through this sensitive flora, fauna and aquatic area of the VL2T upgrade.
A new fauna crossing has been constructed under the motorway to connect the Burleigh to Springbrook bio-regional wildlife corridor. Some other examples of the wide range of treatments undertaken include fauna fencing, koala habitat plantings and improved fish passages through Oyster Creek.
Funding
The Pacific Motorway M1 Burleigh to Palm Beach project has been delivered as Package B of the Pacific Motorway M1 VL2T upgrade. Investment ID 852582
- Total investment
- $1.5 billion
- Australian Government
- $750 million
- Queensland Government
- $750 million
Current status
Construction was completed in April 2025.
Key milestones
- March 2020: Community information sessions held to obtain feedback on the design.
- Mid-2020: Design finalised on Package B Burleigh to Palm Beach.
- September 2020: Construction contract awarded.
- Late 2020: Construction started on Package B Burleigh to Palm Beach (Nineteenth Avenue).
- 2024: Package B completed sections started opening progressively.
- April 2025: Construction on Package B completed.
