The Government of Queensland in Australia has decided to provide A$897m ($680.86m) for M1 upgrade works from Varsity Lakes to Tugun and from Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill.

The investment is part of the budget announcement and aims to facilitate traffic movement on M1 for the residents of the Gold Coast, Logan and Brisbane.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said: “The Palaszczuk Government will invest A$487.5m, half of the total cost, between 2018 and 2022, ensuring work can start as soon as possible.

“We know just how important these upgrades are to Queenslanders and we cannot wait any longer for this vital infrastructure work to begin,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“These upgrade works will help to reduce journey times and enhance the reliability of the road network.”

“The M1 is the busiest road in our state. It takes hundreds of thousands of Queenslanders to work, to school, to our incredible beaches, shops and nightlife every single day.”

She added that the Exit 54 upgrade has already been completed, while heavy works are currently underway at the Gateway Merge and Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes upgrades.

The government intends to commence M1 upgrade works after the completion of the Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes rehabilitation.

Queensland Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said: “More than half of Queensland’s funding, almost A$500m, will be spent over the next four years. That means planning will be finished and work will be underway by 2020.”

She said that these upgrade works will help to reduce journey times and enhance the reliability of the road network. The upgrade is also expected to support jobs for the local construction industry.

Under the M1 Action Plan, the government has also funded the Exit 57 interchange upgrade works at Oxenford. Construction works are expected to begin next year.

It is also planning to rehabilitate interchanges at Yatala North, Yatala South, Ormeau and Pimpama.