Local authorities are urging state and federal governments to act on a bustling section of the Bruce Highway.
Sunshine Coast Council has called for funding for a business case to upgrade the stretch of road between Steve Irwin Way (exit 163) and Caloundra Road, from four to six lanes.
A council spokesperson said it was a key corridor.
“The Bruce Highway is Queensland’s longest road and plays a critical role in connecting communities and the movement of freight to support major industries, including agriculture, resources, construction and manufacturing.”
“For the Sunshine Coast community, which is one of the fastest growing in the state, this link also provides a vital route for the tourism and employment industries, and in the day-to-day activities of our residents.”
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The 38km section is used by about 65,700 motorists a day.
The spokesperson said preparatory work should be undertaken to improve it, in the face of a population boom.
“With the growth that is currently being experienced and projected into the future, planning needs to be completed to identify long-term solutions to meet future growth, reduce congestion and improve efficiency, safety and flood immunity. This planning will identify when additional lanes will be required.”
“Sunshine Coast Council is seeking a commitment from both the state and federal governments to fund the development of a detailed business case to determine what would be required to upgrade the Bruce Highway between Steve Irwin Way and Caloundra Road.”
The renewed call came after Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli called on the federal government to back a range of initiatives in the region ahead of the 2032 Games.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said he was familiar with the stretch of highway, and the state government would deliver upgrades that are “most needed” in the region.
“Like plenty of Sunshine Coast locals, I drive this section of the Bruce Highway every week so understand what it’s like,” he said.
“The Crisafulli Government is already delivering the biggest ever investment into roads and transport on the Sunshine Coast including with The Wave, Mooloolah River Interchange and the Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan.
“I will keep working with all stakeholders, including the Sunshine Coast Council, to deliver the upgrades and the generational infrastructure most needed to support the Sunshine Coast’s growing population.”
Plans for a business case were essentially put on hold after initial moves in 2018. A TMR spokesperson told Sunshine Coast News, in 2014, that it was not a primary concern.
“Timeframes for more detailed planning will depend on future funding commitments and competing statewide priorities,” they said at the time.
A spokesperson for the Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts said the federal government was committed to helping improve roads in the state’s south-east.
“The Australian Government welcomes Sunshine Coast Council’s advocacy for future transport infrastructure priorities,” they said.
“Our more than $17 billion investment for Bruce Highway upgrades statewide is delivering transformation projects such as the Dohles Rocks Road to Anzac Avenue project, the planned Anzac Avenue to Uhlmann Road project, and business cases for three further priority upgrades between Brisbane and Gympie.
“The Australian Government identifies and prioritises investments in the Bruce Highway in consultation with the Queensland Government and informed by the Bruce Highway Advisory Council.
“Any Queensland Government proposal for business case funding for the Steve Irwin Way and Caloundra Road section would be considered through the usual Federal Budget processes.”
