Interchange bridge work to ease traffic jams but commuters must wait until late next year

NewsCommunity

30 Mar

An illustration of the completed Maroochydore Road / Nambour Connection Road roundabout  as if heading north on the Bruce Highway. Nambour is to the left and Maroochydore to the right. — **An illustration of the completed Maroochydore Road / Nambour Connection Road roundabout as if heading north on the Bruce Highway. Nambour is to the left and Maroochydore to the right.**

Morning and afternoon traffic jams at the Maroochydore Road / Nambour Connection Road roundabout will be a thing of the past by late next year if all goes according to plan.

Works are well underway as part of the $301.25 million Bruce Highway Upgrade – Maroochydore Road and Mons Road Interchanges project.

Transport and Main Roads North Coast Regional Director Scott Whitaker said the project would improve the traffic flow and capacity of the Maroochydore Road and Mons Road interchanges.

“The traffic will improve particularly during peak times, as well as meet the future needs of the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Whitaker said.

“As part of the upgrade, the existing Maroochydore Road / Nambour Connection Road roundabout will be signalised. The interchange ramps will be extended and widened to provide sufficient queueing space and ramp signals will be installed to help regulate traffic flow.

“A new, four-lane, eastbound bridge over the Bruce Highway from Nambour Connection Road to Maroochydore Road will be also be built. The two-span concrete bridge will feature an on-road bike lane and a three-metre shared pedestrian path to improve safety and local connectivity.

“Concrete girders and decking units for the bridge will be installed in the coming weeks, with the majority of work undertaken at night to minimise disruption to motorists and traffic flow.”

In the meantime, please take care

Mr Whitaker said motorists should observe all signs when approaching roadworks, adapt to the changed traffic conditions and allow for extra travel time.

“Temporary southbound and northbound lane closures on the Bruce Highway, detours, traffic controllers, reduced speed limits and road signage will be in place to ensure the safety of road workers and motorists,” he said.

“We appreciate the public’s ongoing patience and co-operation whilst this important road project is underway.”

Mr Whitaker said further traffic changes were programmed for the project over coming months. “I strongly encourage the community to subscribe to the free SMS and email service to stay up-to-date date on the project,” he said.

The project is expected to be completed by late 2022, weather and construction conditions permitting.

• For more information and to register for project updates, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/bruce-highway-maroochydore-road-and-mons-road-interchanges.