Changes are set to be made to an increasingly busy intersection, with upgrades to improve safety and accessibility for locals.
Sunshine Coast Council plans to install traffic lights and signalised pedestrian crossings at the T-junction of Main Road and Arwen Street in Maroochydore.
Sunshine Coast councillor Taylor Bunnag said the project would help protect some of the community’s most at-risk road users.
“Council is progressing plans to install signalised pedestrian crossings to provide safer access to nearby bus stops and schools, including Maroochydore State High School and Stella Maris Catholic Primary School,” he said.
“This project improves safety and prioritises vulnerable road users such as children, elderly individuals and people with disabilities.”
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The intersection sits on a rise and a bend. Main Road is a key link between Fishermans Road and Maroochydore Road, while Arwen Street services a residential area.
“Elderly and vulnerable pedestrians are having a hard time crossing Main Road to the bus stops,” Mr Bunnag said.
Although no crashes have been recorded at the site in the past five years, a traffic count in 2023 showed an annual average daily volume of 3421 vehicles.
Mr Bunnag said that figure reinforced the need for upgraded infrastructure.
Contractors were expected to carry out surveying, locate underground services, assess traffic and complete environmental checks.
The project is in the concept design phase, with preliminary and detailed design to follow before construction can start in the 2025-26 financial year.
While the cost is yet to be confirmed, the works will be funded through the council’s Vulnerable Pedestrian Program.
Cr Bunnag said community consultation would take place during the design development phase.
Locals shared their support for the project via social media.
“Sounds sensible,” Dan Clarke said.
“Children riding, walking and catching buses to school need a crossing on Main Road. Good idea. Cars parked on Arwen Street too close to the corner are a problem,” Beth Kipping said.
Judy Harriman agreed: “The problem is exacerbated by the cars that park one metre from the corner. It’s an accident waiting to happen.
“There should be yellow lines there, which would minimise the parking – unfortunately for the residents of all the new units.”
