A motoring milestone has been reached along one of the Sunshine Coast’s busiest stretches of road.
Three stages of the four-stage Mooloolaba Transport Corridor Upgrade have been completed, just in time for the peak holiday season.
Brisbane Road, a key entryway to Mooloolaba Beach, has been transformed into a better run for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said he was thrilled to see the completion of the first few stages.
“I would like to thank the many residents and businesses whose patience and cooperation has helped to deliver what is an outstanding infrastructure upgrade to assist with easing congestion in Mooloolaba,” he said.
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“Drivers and cyclists have been enjoying the wider road, expanded from two lanes to four, the new and upgraded signalised intersections, three traffic lanes over the new Mayes Canal Bridge, new pedestrian pathways and a feature timber boardwalk for pedestrians and cyclists.”
Councillor Joe Natoli said providing an active corridor was a key design consideration.
“Landscaping forms an important part of the project with nearly 250 new trees and 11,500 new plants, which will grow to create a greener and cooler environment for all to enjoy,” he said.
“Overall, this project has been designed for our community and businesses in mind, to improve safety, connectivity and traffic flow to the heart of Mooloolaba for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and public transport users.”
Stage 1 works included upgrading Naroo Court and Walan Street.
Stages 2 and 3 included widening Brisbane Road between Walan Street and Kyamba Court, upgrading some sections of surrounding streets and constructing the new Mayes Canal Bridge.
The new road, bridge and pathways now assist in reducing delays during peak periods and cater for future traffic growth into the heart of Mooloolaba.
The Mayes Canal Bridge works benefited from a $12 million investment from the Australian Government through the Infrastructure Investment Program.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the government was pleased to have contributed $12 million towards Stage 2 of the upgrade.
“Now complete, the new connection will provide more direct access to Mooloolaba and help locals and visitors travel around the area on a safer and more efficient road network,” she said.
Queensland Senator and Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Education Anthony Chisholm said major road upgrades benefitted the entire community by bringing in more visitors and boosting the local economy in the process.
“Our government is committed to ensuring that our rapidly-growing Sunshine Coast region receives the road upgrades it needs to continue to be a great place to live, work and visit,” he said.
“This project has already reduced congestion around the new Mayes Canal Bridge and surrounding streets by providing better access to everything Mooloolaba has to offer.”
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said the upgrade would improve access to Mooloolaba Beach, businesses and accommodation.
“These upgrades will be a huge boost for local businesses as we head into summer and the Christmas holidays,” he said.
“This project will not only improve the traffic flow and safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, but also create smoother traffic flows and easier access to the heart of Mooloolaba.
“I’d like to thank the community for their patience during the construction but I’m sure they will benefit from these upgrades which will enhance the connectivity and liveability of our community.
“I’m proud to have partnered with Sunshine Coast Council to deliver this important local road infrastructure project.”
Stage 4 is expected to be constructed next year.
Brisbane Road, from Kyamba Court to Tuckers Creek Bridge, will be upgraded and widened to four lanes. The upgrade includes a new signalised intersection at Bindaree Crescent, Brisbane Road and Woomba Place, and roadworks on both sides of the bridge. The fourth southbound traffic lane of Mayes Canal Bridge will open when Stage 4 roadworks are complete.
For more information see Mooloolaba Transport Corridor Upgrade.
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