Design work is now complete for a project to upgrade the Mooloolaba Road and Sugar Road intersection, where Buderim and Alexandra Headland meet.
The re-design includes reconfiguration of traffic lanes to increase capacity at what is an often busy and congested interchange.
It also includes additional dedicated, left-turn lanes to improve efficiency for vehicles turning from Sugar Road to Mooloolaba Road and from Mooloolaba Road to Sugar Road.
“This is a known pinch point, so recognifuring the lanes will allow for more vehicles to travel in both directions on the Mooloolaba Road bridge,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said of the redesign work.
“Drivers turning right to enter Sunshine Motorway southbound, or to enter Sugar Road northbound, will also benefit from the new configuration.
“Additional dedicated, left-turn lanes will improve efficiency for vehicles turning from Sugar Road to Mooloolaba Road and from Mooloolaba Road to Sugar Road.
“These congestion-busting features will help reduce travel times and make it safer for all road users.
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“We will need to widen both roads at particular spots to accommodate the additional lanes, while road resurfacing will also be undertaken.”
Minister Bailey said a dedicated, on-road bike lanes and an off-road bike path westbound on the bridge would be built.
“We’ll also install signalised pedestrian crossings at the Mooloolaba Road and Sunshine Motorway southbound exit ramp intersection and at the Mooloolaba Road and Sugar Road intersection to make it safer for people walking through the area,” he said.
“Construction is programmed to begin mid-2023, weather and construction scheduling permitting.
“We’ll give local residents and road users ample notice before any construction work begins next year.”
Mr Bailey said the interim upgrade would improve safety while large planning work was undertaken.
“We know the Sunshine Coast is growing rapidly, and we need to improve transport connections to keep people moving,” he said.
“That’s why we are currently planning for the Buderim Mooloolaba Interchange project, to increase capacity at this key intersection.
“In the meantime, we’re getting on with improving safety and efficiency at the existing interchange for the 20,000 drivers who use this road daily.
“Our investment means you will get home safer and sooner, to spend more time with family and friends enjoying Queensland’s great lifestyle.”
TMR said this interim project would improve safety and capacity at the Mooloolaba Road and Sugar Road intersection while planning work continued for the larger Buderim Mooloolaba Interchange project.
Preliminary planning for this future interchange is expected to be complete by mid-2023 (2023).
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