The design and construction contract for the Smith Street Motorway and Olsen Avenue Interchange upgrade in Queensland, Australia, has been awarded to a joint venture (JV) of Parsons Brinckerhoff and Seymour Whyte.

The project is worth more than $50m, and was awarded by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

It involves upgrading the vital link between the new Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct and the Pacific Motorway.

"Both parties will share the risks and opportunities presented by the project."

Parsons Brinckerhoff transport director Mark Keogh said: "Both parties will share the risks and opportunities presented by the project, allowing for a focus on collaboration and for the delivery of best-for-project outcomes for our client and the community."

Construction on the new project is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of this year, with the completion expected in mid-2015.

Smith Street Motorway connects the Pacific Motorway (M1) and the new Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct in Parkwood, and also acts as a major connection between the M1 and the Gold Coast’s main tourism districts.

The new programme will deliver improved capacity for future traffic volumes and emergency vehicle movements around the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct.

It will also improve traffic efficiency through extra through and turning lanes at the Smith Street Motorway/Olsen Avenue Interchange, and ease congestion for traffic entering and leaving the Smith Street Motorway.