Pacific Motorway M1 Palm Beach (Nineteenth Avenue) to Tugun
The Pacific Motorway (M1) has been upgraded between Palm Beach and Tugun (Package C) as part of the Varsity Lakes to Tugun (VL2T) upgrade.
In this 5km section, Package C included the following:
- widened the M1 to 3 lanes in both directions
- extended entry and exit ramps
- widened and upgraded the Nineteenth Avenue overpass
- constructed a new signalised intersection at KP McGrath Drive
- included active transport connections for the full length of the new western service road (Booningba Drive)
- upgraded existing pedestrian and bike access across the Nineteenth Avenue overpass
- improved pedestrian paths through the Palm Beach interchange (Exit 92) and beyond to Guineas Creek Road
- used 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
- Reduces peak hour congestion
- Better active transport
Key features
Palm Beach Interchange (Exit 92)
Exit 92 has been upgraded to improve safety on both sides of the M1 for motorists, pedestrians, and bike riders. The northbound off-ramp was moved further north so that instead of ending at the Palm Beach Avenue underpass, it now safely connects into a new signalised intersection at KP McGrath Drive.
The southbound off-ramp has been extended and the southbound Currumbin (Exit 93) off-ramp removed. Motorists heading to Sarawak Avenue can now take the Exit 92 off-ramp, continue along a dedicated service lane that is immediately adjacent to, but separated from, the M1 by a concrete barrier, and exit at the signalised intersection at Sarawak Avenue.
KP McGrath Drive
KP McGrath Drive is a pivotal intersection, with the new western service road (Booningba Drive) and relocated northbound Exit 92 off-ramp now meeting at this point. Traffic signals have been installed at the KP McGrath Drive intersection to safely cater for these additional movements as well as the northbound Exit 92 on-ramp.
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). 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.
Nineteenth Avenue overpass
The Nineteenth Avenue overpass and approaches have been upgraded to improve access to the M1 and surrounding local roads. A new signalised intersection connects Nineteenth Avenue to the new 2-way western service road and active transport paths have been provided across the overpass and north and south on Booningba Drive.
Funding
The Pacific Motorway M1 Palm Beach to Tugun project has been delivered as Package C 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 November 2025.
Key milestones
- March 2020: Community information sessions held to obtain feedback on the design.
- Mid-2020: Design finalised on Package C Palm Beach to Tugun.
- September 2020: Construction contract awarded.
- October 2020: Construction started on Package C Palm Beach (Nineteenth Avenue) to Tugun.
- 2024: Package C completed sections started opening progressively.
- November 2025: Construction on Package C completed.
