The Pacific Motorway has gained the dubious distinction as Queensland’s most congested road for the third consecutive time, according to RACQ’s annual Red Spot Congestion Survey.
The survey of 2,700 respondents found that 517 congested roads across Queensland were driving motorists mad, with 204 of the responses for the notorious M1 alone.
Paul Turner, RACQ spokesperson, said sections of the motorway between Springwood and Loganholme, Varsity Lakes to Tugun, and exit 41, 45 ,and 49 interchanges were among the most troublesome locations.
“It’s certainly no surprise to see the Pacific Motorway take out the unenviable title of top spot as it is also the state’s busiest road,” Turner said. “These red spots may be due to a set of traffic lights taking too long to change, not enough lanes, or delays at a rail crossing.”
While RACQ acknowledged funding commitments for upgrades to the Pacific Motorway at the Gateway Merge and Varsity Lakes to Tugun Project, Turner said, “there’s still more that can be done like the delivery of the Coomera Connector and improving public transport, which will be critical in helping ease the pressure on our roads.”
Other major roads that were rated poorly by motorists include the Centenary Motorway and Bruce Highway.
“The Centenary Motorway was rated as the state’s second most congested road with 141 nominations,” Turner said. “Congestion is a lifestyle issue as much as it is an economic one. It costs us time and lost productivity, and that’s why it needs to be addressed. As state and local government elections fast approach, we’ll use this information to lobby politicians to ensure Queensland’s priorities are also theirs.”
