Road surface improvements in Burleigh after years of inaction

Resurfacing works are underway on Bermuda Street to improve travel for Gold Coast motorists. Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said a two kilometre southern section of Bermuda Street was originally designed and constructed with expansion joints installed between the concrete slabs on the road, which is not an unusual practice.

“While the road is perfectly safe for motorists, the expansion joints in this particular location can cause audible noises and apparent bumps that can often leave motorists with the impression they have a flat tyre,” Mr Bailey said.

“We are now working to replace sections of these concrete slabs, including resurfacing the concrete surface to create a better ride qualityand a quieter travel surface.”

Mr Bailey said he was disappointed (but not surprised) by the negative reaction from Member for Burleigh Michael Hart.

“Mr Hart does nothing but complain on the Gold Coast – he complained about the surface of the road and now he’s complaining about the improvement works – there is just no making him happy,” Mr Bailey said.

“The previous Newman-Nicholls LNP government, of which Mr Hart was a member, failed to do anything about smoothing Bermuda Street, despite their record three year majority.

“Now Mr Hart is accusing us of some sort of election conspiracy, when in fact all we’re doing is getting on with the job of delivering road improvements for the Gold Coast, something Mr Hart and his LNP colleagues know nothing about.

“After inheriting three of years of M1 inaction by the LNP Government, we secured a successful funding deal with the federal government to deliver the M1 Mudgreeba to Varsity Lakes and the M1/Gateway merge projects as part of a half a billion dollar package.

“The Palaszczuk Government is also investing $160 million in the Commonwealth Games Roads Package to increase capacity ahead of the games and for the future. 

“The people of the Gold Coast are sick to death of negative politicians, perpetually unhappy, hapless Hart.”

This $2.5 million Bermuda Street project is being undertaken as part of the $140 million accelerated road safety and road network renewal package announced in December 2016.

Further south, a separate project to install lighting to the pedestrian underpass under the Gold Coast Highway at Tallebudgera has also recently been completed.

“This underpass, situated between a tourist park and leisure centre, is well utilised by both the local and tourist community,” Mr Bailey said.

“The addition of lights provides a safer environment for the community as they go about their day to day lives.”