Improvements are on the way to two key commuter roads that can suffer from heavy congestion.
Works will occur at Sugar Road and Maud Street in Maroochydore, which is experiencing significant growth with its emerging city centre, from 2026.
The design, available for community feedback, includes extra traffic lanes, intersection upgrades, safe crossing options, cycle tracks, improved paths, landscaping and street lighting.
Councillor Joe Natoli said they were key roads, with traffic movements along them forecast to increase in the coming decade.
“Sugar Road and Maud Street are heavily congested during peak hours, with motorists experiencing long traffic queues and delays, as well as no safe, off-road walking and riding paths,” he said.
“Improving road safety, reducing congestion and providing walking and riding paths along this important transit route, is a top priority.
“Although construction of a much-needed upgrade isn’t expected to begin before 2026, community feedback is now being encouraged to help improve plans for its upgrade.”
Sunshine Coast News reported in July that council has been acquiring properties on Maud Street since 2016 and Sugar Road since 2019.
Related story: Road upgrade ‘reassessed’ as long‑term solution sought
“Council has been progressively buying properties as they come to market,” a council spokesperson said.
“Council has contacted affected property owners to discuss this project.”
The community is invited to view the concept design and share feedback on the Have Your Say website until September 15, or talk to the project team at four community drop-in sessions at Maroochydore:
- Saturday, August 26, 10am to 2pm at Sunshine Plaza.
- Thursday, August 31, 3pm to 7pm at Sunshine Plaza.
- Tuesday, September 5, 11.30am to 3pm at 87 Sugar Road.
- Thursday, September 7, 11.30am to 3.30pm at Maroochydore Library, 44 Sixth Avenue.
Transport Portfolio councillor Rick Baberowski said the upgrade would bring many advantages, and not just for motorists.
“Along with reducing delays and improving safety for buses, private vehicles, freight and emergency vehicles, council wants to provide a safe and inclusive environment for walkers, riders and all mobility needs, to improve the connectivity and accessibility of the area,” he said.
“The project will provide dedicated riding facilities and improved facilities for safe crossing of this important corridor.
“The revised design includes new, separated two-way cycle track, wider pedestrian paths, an extra two traffic lanes, intersection upgrades with signalised pedestrian and rider crossings, bus stop upgrades, landscaping and street lighting.
“Revamping Sugar Road and Maud Street will also create a healthier, user-friendly environment that benefits locals, schools and businesses in the area.
“This project is part of the council’s limited road construction program that is essential to keep us moving as more than 500,000 people choose to call the Coast home by 2041.
“Council invests millions of dollars in the transport network every year to ensure the region keeps pace with growth.
“Daily car trips around the Sunshine Coast are forecast to increase from 1.2 million to two million by 2041, as new suburbs emerge, economic hubs expand and tourism grows.
“Council aims to limit this increase by advocating for better public transport, investing in new walking and riding infrastructure and delivering the ThinkChange travel behaviour change program and its initiatives to reduce car use.”
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