• Upgrades to key Sunshine Coast interchanges are moving ahead as part of the Bruce Highway – Maroochydore Road Interchange Upgrade – Stage 1
• Proposed design for Maroochydore and Nambour Connection Roads open for community feedback at two scheduled sessions
Community views are being sought on the proposed design of two major interchange upgrades on the Bruce Highway near Forest Glen on the Sunshine Coast.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the proposed interchange upgrades at Maroochydore and Nambour Connection Roads would improve safety and efficiency for local, tourist and freight traffic moving through this section of the Bruce.
“This project represents a major investment in vital transport infrastructure that will support economic development in rapidly growing areas of the Sunshine Coast, and I urge the community to provide input into the design phase,” Mr Chester said.
“When completed, the upgrade will provide people living, working and commuting in the areas of Forest Glen, Buderim, Maroochydore and Nambour with substantially improved connectivity to local roads while delivering safer, faster access to the highway.”
Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Mark Bailey said appointed contractor WSP would incorporate community feedback before delivering a detailed business case on the preferred option, including a prioritised scope of future works and estimated costs.
“WSP will also deliver a report into future upgrades on the Bruce Highway between the Sunshine Motorway and the Maroochydore Road interchange at the end of the year,” Mr Bailey said.
“As the major freight route, these upgrades will support the Bruce Highway’s ability to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of regional and inter-regional freight and traffic well into the future.”
Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien said the proposed design included a new four-lane eastbound bridge over the Bruce Highway, service roads east and west of the highway and signals at each junction to the Maroochydore/Nambour Connection Roads roundabout.
“New north-south service roads running alongside the Bruce Highway are also part of the upgrade and will link Mons and Maroochydore Roads, enabling the diversion of local traffic from the highway and providing a safer option for local residents and commuters alike,” Mr O’Brien said.
Members of the public can view the plans and register their comments on Saturday 1 July at information booths at Forest Glen shops arcade (354 Mons Road). Members of the public have until 21 July 2017 to provide feedback.
For more information on the feedback process, contact Transport and Main Roads’ North Coast office at northcoast@tmr.qld.gov.au. Further project information is available at www.tmr.qld.gov.au.
The $187 million Bruce Highway – Maroochydore Road Interchange Upgrade – Stage 1 project is being funded with a $149.6 million contribution from the Australian Government and $37.4 million from the Queensland Government.