The road to an iconic Sunshine Coast destination is driving forward, with four new lanes unwrapped for the holidays.
The lanes opened north of the Mayes Canal Bridge on Brisbane Road, which takes commuters to and from Mooloolaba Beach, just in time for the peak Christmas period.
The upgrade is part of the Mooloolaba Transport Corridor Upgrade project, which includes widening Brisbane Road and Walan Street to enhance the entrance to the bustling beach suburb.
Sunshine Coast Council Transport Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said construction had progressed well during challenging circumstances.
“The project has ploughed through one of the wettest years on record, along with challenges affecting the whole construction industry including materials and contractor availability,” he said.
“Our construction team has worked day and some nights to complete this main Brisbane Road thoroughfare so it’s ready for the holidays.
“The past few weeks have been extremely tumultuous as our construction team pulled out all stops to get the major roadworks completed before December 22.
“We would like to thank locals and businesses for your patience and co-operation during construction this year and wish you a safe, happy holiday season.”
The project team used all resources at council’s disposal to help contractors get the four traffic lanes from Mayes Canal Bridge towards Walan Street flowing to the beachfront.
The team endured wet weather and worked additional night shifts during recent weeks.
The new Brisbane Road, Foote Street and Tarcoola Avenue signalised intersection began operating on December 20, replacing the previous roundabout.
Construction on the MTCU project will pause from December 22 to January 8.
The remaining two new lanes of the new Mayes Canal bridge and the bridge’s timber viewing deck and shared pathway, along with some areas of pedestrian pathways and landscaping, will be completed early in the new year.
Once completed, the MTCU is expected to accommodate anticipated growth in traffic, with daily trips predicted to increase from 61,000 to more than 90,000 in 2041.
Stages 1-4 for the MTCU are estimated at more than $45 million, which includes $12 million from the Federal Government.
For more information about the project, visit Mooloolaba Transport Corridor Upgrade. To register for construction updates, email your details to mtcu@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
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