Extensive earthworks are well underway for a huge interchange upgrade that is set to improve safety and reduce congestion.
Heavy machinery is being utilised at the Mooloolah River junction, where new roads and bridges will be built to keep up with the Sunshine Coast’s rapid population growth.
The activity comes after months of preparation and site clearing.
A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said it was an important phase.
“The Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade (MRIU) has reached a major construction milestone, with large-scale earthworks and embankment construction now underway across the project site,” they said.
“The works represent the next major phase of construction activity within the early works program, building on the site establishment, service relocations and environmental works that commenced in late 2025 and continue across the project area.”
Trucks, excavators, rollers and earthmoving equipment are working across the project area, building major embankments and preparing it for major construction activity in 2027.
A project update, in mid-October, stated that the works would “involve importing and compacting large volumes of material to create a safe and stable foundation for future construction”.
It said that works would generally occur Monday to Saturday between 6am and 6pm, with some night works required.
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It stated that road users faced reduced speed limits and temporary lane closures, while nearby residents and businesses could experience construction noise, vibration, dust, lighting and increased truck movements.
Traffic management measures were expected to be in place, with trucks also using Seriata Way near Bundilla Boulevard to move materials to and from the work area.
The MRIU is expected to improve connections between Mountain Creek, Mooloolaba and surrounding communities, and provide enhanced walking and bike riding links.
It’s also set to support the future delivery of The Wave, a public transport scheme that includes plans for metro style vehicles to travel through the area.
Some homes are making way for the upgrade.
Stage 1 of the MRIU will deliver new road links between Nicklin Way, Brisbane Road and Karawatha Drive, a signalised intersection, a two-way service road and improved walking and cycling connections, while separating local traffic from motorway traffic.
Future stages could include a new Mooloolah River crossing to Kawana Way, extra motorway lanes, duplication of part of the Sunshine Motorway and a new Nicklin Way-Brisbane Road overpass.
Sunshine Coast News asked TMR how much the MRIU could cost but did not receive a direct reply.
The state government has stated that it was “committed to delivering the full Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade in stages. These projects are planned investment.”
