Australian construction company Georgiou Group has delivered the first of three sections in the A$104m ($79.8m) Southport–Burleigh Road upgrade works in Queensland.

The construction company has completed all the major works for the Fremar to Rudd streets section ahead of schedule, enabling motorists to take the advantage of the six lanes.

Queensland Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey said: “Motorists can now experience some of the benefits this upgrade will bring to the Gold Coast, including reducing congestion.

"The upgrade works are being carried out under Gold Coast’s A$160.7m ($123.3m) major road network improvements in the lead up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games."

“The upgrade of this extremely busy arterial road has long been required, and at last we are seeing hard work pay off with the successful delivery of the first of three sections along Southport-Burleigh Road.

Bailey further added that the commuters will be able to use the road early and also it would allow them to move more freely on this section. He also said that during the construction process nearly 112 jobs will be created.

With the opening of the third lane, the speed limit is now permanently 60km/h along the 8km section of Southport-Burleigh Road.

Bailey said: “We will continue to work with Queensland Police to monitor motorists and ensure all speed limits are enforced.

“Works on the first stage of Southport-Burleigh Road, from North Street to Vespa Crescent in Southport, are due to be completed early to mid-2017, weather and construction conditions permitting.

“The third stage, from Vespa Crescent in Bundall to the southern side of Nerang River Bridge in Broadbeach Waters, are also underway, with an expected completion date of late 2017, weather and construction conditions permitting.”

The upgrade works are being carried out under Gold Coast’s A$160.7m ($123.3m) major road network improvements in the lead up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games.