Australia’s federal and state governments are continuing to work on the Pacific Motorway, this time carrying out upgrade work at the Varsity Lakes interchange at Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Under the project, a pedestrian and cycle path will be built by widening the existing road bridge to create a safe crossing for local school and community members.

It is hoped the $80m project will reduce congestion and travel times for commuters in the area as well as cut motorway cues through Reedy Creek.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese and Queensland Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said that the jointly funded project is being carried out as part of the governments’ $910m Pacific Motorway upgrade programme.

“Safety and travel times will be improved for motorists and there will be better connectivity to the new Varsity Lakes rail station, which is due to open in late 2009,” Wallace said.

Probuild Civil will carry out the interchange work.