An upgrade to a well-travelled intersection is expected to be a “game-changer” for locals.
Work is underway to improve the junction at Power Road and Dixon Road at Buderim.
There will be traffic signals with dedicated walking and riding crossings, a separated two-way cycle track and pedestrian pathway, and additional traffic lanes.
Sunshine Coast councillor Ted Hungerford said he was “pleased that construction has started” and “it will help ease congestion”.
“The project will improve safety for all modes at the intersection, including walkers and riders, allowing locals to safely cross,” he said.
“Once completed, this project will be a game-changer for nearby residents, especially those in the retirement village who have great difficulty entering and exiting during traffic chaos.”
Motorists and pedestrians from the IRT The Palms have long been delayed by traffic at the T-junction. They’ve endured long stops on Power Road while traffic flows along Dixon Road, which is a key route between Buderim, the Sunshine Motorway and Sippy Downs.
The upgrade should ensure that drivers will have ample opportunities to get going, while pedestrians will be able to cross the road to link with the pathway.
Council allocated $5.8 million towards the Power Road Stage 1 upgrade intersection.
“This (project) is just one component of the whole traffic management plan I have been working on for that area, with my aim being to provide motorists with multiple traffic options,” Cr Hungerford said.
Local journalists supporting local people. Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our FREE daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email at the bottom of this article.
The upgrade should be finished by the end of the year, but commuters will be impacted during roadworks.
“Traffic control is in place and council appreciates our community’s patience with any minor delays experienced during the works,” Cr Hungerford said.
Meanwhile, a $12 million footbridge pathway and active transport link, co-funded by council and state government, is being built nearby.
It should ensure that people can cross the motorway, linking Buderim and Sippy Downs.
Money was also in council’s budget for other transport projects in the Buderim region, including: $1.31m for road shoulder widening along Petrie Creek Road, from Paynters Creek Road to Celestine Place; $111,000 for pathway construction along Bell Road; $100,000 for planning for Goshawk Boulevard Buderim Link; $80,000 for a Gloucester Road boardwalk; and $268,000 for upgrading signs along Mons Road, which also received significant federal funding for improvements as a designated Black Spot.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
