Any confusion over the design of new Bruce Highway interchanges at Maroochydore Road, Nambour Connection Road, and at Forest Glen and Chevallum, have been put to rest by the Department of Main Roads and Transport.
The jointly-funded $301.25m highway project includes upgrading the Maroochydore Road and Mons Road interchanges and providing two-way service roads on the eastern and western sides of the highway for local traffic.
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Artist’s impressions released by the department have given some insight into motorist access to the highway from Sandalwood Lane, on the eastern side of the highway, and to the highway from Leafy Lane on the western side.
The DTMR said, “a key component of the major transport upgrade involves connecting the Maroochydore Road and Mons Road interchanges via two new service roads on the eastern and western sides of the Bruce Highway.
“The new western service road (to be known as Chevallum Road between Mons Road and Leafy Lane) will initially open to northbound traffic only.
“This means the existing northbound highway entry ramp from Mons Road will permanently close, and instead motorists will use the new western service road to access the Maroochydore Road interchange and Bruce Highway northbound.”
The DMR noted that the full opening of the western service road (for northbound and southbound traffic) is expected in early 2023.
Meantime, DTMR added that, “the eastern service road will also progressively open to traffic, with southbound traffic initially travelling on a new section between Mons Road and the Maroochydore Road interchange.
“The existing southbound highway exit ramp (Exit 200) to Mons Road will permanently close.
“Motorists will use the Maroochydore Road interchange to access the eastern service road and the Forest Glen, Mons and Chevallum areas. Full opening of the eastern service road is expected in early 2023.”
The new access arrangements are expected to make it safer for motorists entering and exiting the Bruce Highway as well as cater for additional traffic.
Signs will be in place to direct motorists to the changed conditions and motorists are reminded to obey reduced speed limits and pay attention to changed traffic conditions.
Traffic travelling to Nambour will use the upgraded westbound bridge over the Bruce Highway with traffic travelling to Maroochydore travelling over the new bridge at the Maroochydore Road interchange.
These are permanent traffic changes, however some lanes will remain temporarily closed to finish construction work. Traffic signal phasing will be reprogrammed and monitored.
After this, new service roads on the western and eastern side of the highway will gradually open to traffic.
This project is jointly funded, with the Australian Government contributing $241m and the Queensland Government contributing $60.25m.
“As one of Queensland’s busiest highways, the additional capacity and safety this project will deliver will be welcomed by locals, tourists and commuters alike,” Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said.
For more information and to register for project updates, visit Bruce Highway Upgrade – Maroochydore Road and Mons Road Interchanges.
For up-to-date information on road closures and conditions across the state, visit Queensland Traffic, call 13 19 40 or download the QldTraffic app.
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