Coomera Connector opens, easing traffic across northern Gold Coast

Traffic is set to flow more freely between Coomera and Helensvale from early Tuesday, 2 December, with the opening of the Coomera Connector Stage 1 North.

The new four-lane, four-kilometre stretch - officially designated the M9 - marks the first completed section of the major transport corridor and promises a safer, faster trip for local motorists. The route provides an essential alternative to the heavily congested M1 between Shipper Drive in Coomera and Helensvale Road.

Stage 1 North includes new interchanges at Shipper Drive and Helensvale Road, nearly one kilometre of bridge infrastructure over the Coomera River and Saltwater Creek, four kilometres of shared pathways, and 65,000 tonnes of asphalt laid across the main route and connecting roads. The project also delivered more than 60 traineeships and apprenticeships, with 94 per cent of spending directed to South East Queensland suppliers.

The opening is the first of three construction packages, with the Central package recently passing its one-year milestone and work on the South package now well underway. Planning and environmental approvals continue for the remaining 29 kilometres of the Coomera Connector between Loganholme and Coomera. Detailed design work for Stage 2 - from Yawalpah Road in Pimpama to Shipper Drive - is set to begin next year.

Once complete, the 45-kilometre Coomera Connector will reshape travel between Logan and the Gold Coast by easing pressure on the Pacific Motorway, improving freight efficiency and supporting the region's rapid growth. The project is jointly funded, with the Australian Government contributing $1.5 billion and the Queensland Government investing $1.9 billion.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the new link would offer immediate relief for commuters.

"Anyone who has sat in peak-hour traffic along the Coomera stretch of the M1 knows what a difference this will make," she said. "The opening of the M9 means a safer, smoother and more reliable journey for thousands of drivers every day. This isn't just an investment in infrastructure - it's an investment in the community and in local jobs."

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg said the Coomera Connector was one of the state's largest transport undertakings.

"We're proud to work with the Australian Government to deliver real benefits for Queenslanders - reduced congestion, faster travel times and better support for our growing communities," he said. "More than 1,000 jobs have been supported across Stage 1, with over 2.5 million working hours invested in Stage 1 North alone."

Federal Member for Forde Rowan Holzberger said the opening would ease pressure on long-frustrated motorists.

"This section will take real strain off the M1 and give locals a safer, more predictable commute," he said. "This is the kind of practical infrastructure our community has been asking for - something that makes daily life easier and supports our booming region."

State Member for Coomera Michael Crandon said the new route was essential for meeting the demands of one of Queensland's fastest-growing areas.

"Our community has grown enormously, and this corridor will help ease congestion and improve travel times for residents," he said.

Member for Theodore Mark Boothman said locals had waited a long time for such a milestone.

"This investment will strengthen connectivity, support local businesses and boost economic growth," he said. "It's about delivering the infrastructure our community deserves, and I look forward to future stages coming online."