Gold Coast are investing in road improvements before the Commonwealth Games ©Getty Images

Gold Coast’s roads will reportedly have received upgrades worth more than AUS$100 million (£59 million/$75 million/€67 million) before next year’s Commonwealth Games.

Work is currently continuing on the final stages of a project to improve the network between Southport and Burleigh Road.

The AUS$104 million (£61 million/$78 million/€69 million) investment by the Queensland Government will see three lanes go in both directions.

Gold Coast are to conduct their own programme of upgrades before the Games, including a $3.2 million (£1.8 million/$2.4 million/€2.5 million) investment into the intersection of Southport’s High and Smith streets, which links with larger Queensland Government project.

Another of the major upgrades will include an $8.5 million (£5 million/$6.4 million/€5.7 million) investment for work at Ormeau’s Brunside Road, according to the Gold Coast Bulletin.

A $650,000 (£383,000/$489,000/€437,000) project at the intersection of Gold Coast highway and Waterways Drive, as well as work near the Carrara sports precinct are reportedly set to take place.

The transport upgrades are part of Gold Coast’s aim to reduce traffic congestion in the city as the Commonwealth Games approaches.

It is expected that the majority of upgrades will be completed by the end of 2017.

The travel improvements are designed to reduce congestion ©Getty Images
The travel improvements are designed to reduce congestion ©Getty Images

“Our programme links with major State Government road upgrades in the city and that way, we can minimise the pain for motorists by arranging council works at the same time as state road upgrades,” Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

“That way, motorists aren’t inconvenienced twice.

“Most of the major road upgrades will be finished by the end of this calendar year so the city should be in the best possible shape for Gold Coast 2018 next April, and for years ahead.”

The second stage of a light rail project is currently ongoing, which will help to link Gold Coast with Brisbane.

Last month, Gold Coast 2018 have played down concerns that the Commonwealth Games may have a negative impact on emergency services due to increased traffic.

Transport continues to be a major challenge for Games organisers with less than a year to go until the Opening Ceremony.

As well as Games lanes, other elements of a draft transport plan introduced last year focused on park-and-ride and greater use of public transport.

It has been estimated that 1.5 million spectators will attend the Games, as well as thousands of athletes, officials, volunteers and media.

They are due to take place from April 4 to 15 next year.