Updated September 12, 2017 13:35:46

Photo: Upgrades to the Pacific Highway are underway before the Commonwealth Games in 2018. (AAP: Dave Hunt)

The Queensland Opposition has suggested duplicating a large stretch of the M1 motorway on the Gold Coast, but stopped short of promising to build the road if it wins government.

Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls instead launched a petition, in what he said was an effort to pressure the Palaszczuk Government to build it.

Mr Nicholls said the first stage should be a 37-kilometre, four-lane stretch between Stapylton Jacobs Well Road and Nerang Broadbeach Road at a cost $500 million.

A recent upgrade of one exit on the M1 cost more than $74 million.

Mr Nicholls said the existing stretch of road was reaching capacity.

"This is a transformative project … it'll help families, it'll help business, it'll help industries, it'll help the cities of Gold Coast, Logan, Redlands and Brisbane," Mr Nicholls said.

"We all know what it's like on a Friday afternoon when the M1 is chock-a-block chocked up with traffic and you want to get home."

Photo: LNP MPs and candidates launch a petition for a duplication of the M1. (ABC News: Tom Forbes)

But Mr Nicholls stopped short of committing to build the project if the LNP wins government at the next election.

"Annastacia Palaszczuk could end the uncertainty around jobs, jobs security by simply naming the election date instead of playing ducks and drakes as she has been for the past couple of months," Mr Nicholls said.

"When she names the election date we'll be starting to announce our policies.

"But the important thing here today is if you want to see a second M1 then go online, sign the petition and let the Government know what you think".

In March, the State Government and Federal Government jointly agreed to pour $500 million into upgrades on the M1 and three other road projects.

Ms Palaszczuk said she wanted to see more detail of the Opposition's proposal.

"They will have to say what assets they plan to sell to do that, so I'll be looking forward to seeing details on their announcement," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"They have been silent when it comes to arguing for the Federal Government funding towards the M1.

"It has been through my government working with the Federal Government that we've actually been able to secure funds for the upgrade to the M1."

Topics: government-and-politics, federal---state-issues, states-and-territories, transport, nerang-4211, stapylton-4207, qld, australia

First posted September 12, 2017 13:24:40