Plans to upgrade one of the Coast’s busiest intersections have been put on hold, with the Department of Transport and Main Roads blaming current market conditions.
Sunshine Coast News reported in December that design work for an interim project to upgrade the Mooloolaba Road and Sugar Road intersection was complete.
Work on the intersection, which straddles Buderim and Alexandra Headland and carries about 20,000 drivers a day, was scheduled to begin in mid-2023, weather and construction scheduling permitting.
Related story: Upgrade plans complete for busy ‘hot spot’ intersection
But a TMR spokesperson said the scope of the works was now being reconsidered.
“The Mooloolaba Road and Sugar Road intersection project is an interim measure to better manage traffic flow,” they said.
“Due to current market conditions, construction tenders received for the project were not consistent with estimates.
“The scope of the interim works is being reassessed against longer-term planning to determine the most appropriate investment decision.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said in December that the interim upgrade to the intersection would improve safety while planning work was done for the larger Buderim-Mooloolaba Interchange project.
Planning for the larger project was expected to be complete by mid-2023, but it has also been pushed out.
“Longer-term planning includes investigations into a long‑term solution to improve traffic flow and safety on the Sunshine Motorway from the Buderim-Mooloolaba Road interchange to Maroochydore Road,” the TMR spokesperson said.
“Timeframes for this planning have been extended for completion around mid-2024.
“This is in order to include provision for future passenger rail between Beerwah and Maroochydore city centre, with consultation currently underway on the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line project.”
It comes as Sunshine Coast Council continues to plan for the widening of Sugar Road to four lanes, with concept designs expected to be revealed “in the near future”.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said plans to improve the Sugar Road and Maud Street corridor had been in place for more than 20 years.
“The corridor provides one of the main road routes into the centre of Maroochydore from the south and traffic is forecast to increase substantially,” they said.
“During peak times Sugar Road, in particular, experiences long traffic queues and delays, and is a poor environment for walking and riding.
“To solve these issues, Sunshine Coast Council is planning to widen and upgrade both roads.
“Council started acquiring properties on Maud Street in 2016.
“In 2019 council started acquiring properties on Sugar Road.
“Council has been progressively buying properties as they come to market.
“Council has contacted affected property owners to discuss this project.”
The council spokesperson said the upgrade would add dedicated infrastructure for riding, and limited crossing opportunities for riders, pedestrians and wheelchairs.
“The planned improvements include new, safe walking and riding paths and crossing facilities, an extra two traffic lanes, bus stop upgrades and landscaping,” they said.
“Although construction isn’t expected to begin before 2026, community feedback on the draft design will help council refine plans for the final, detailed design.
“Council will be inviting the community to view the concept design and share feedback in the near future and will keep the community informed.”
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