New section of Sippy Downs Drive opens to traffic

Sunshine Coast residents can look forward to improved access to Chancellor State College and the University of the Sunshine Coast from Tuesday, thanks to the opening of a new 1km section of Sippy Downs Drive.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt and Maroochy Shire Council Mayor Joe Natoli jointly announced the opening of the new section, as part of early works associated with the construction of the Sunshine Motorway's $19 million Dixon Road-Claymore Road interchange.

The eastern end of Sippy Downs Drive has been re-routed to provide improved access to Chancellor State College and the university's sporting complex.

"From the start of the 2008 school year, parents dropping children off to the college can expect improved traffic flow," Mr Pitt said.

"Access to this area will improve even further when the Dixon Road-Claymore Road interchange opens to traffic in the middle of the year, but motorists will receive a preview of its capabilities from next month.

"Westbound on and off ramps to and from the motorway will open in mid-February, providing the first link between the new interchange and Sippy Downs Drive."

Cr Natoli said the new alignment of Sippy Downs Drive would initially open with two lanes but would increase to four once the interchange became operational.

"The construction of this new four-lane section of Sippy Downs Drive, together with the opening of the new interchange, will help reduce congestion problems currently experienced in this important area," Cr Natoli said.

"Even with two lanes we expect better traffic flow because of the realignment of the road.

"Aside from improvement for motorists, the community will enjoy the benefits of a new cycle path, running alongside Sippy Downs Drive and connecting to the existing cycleway to Mooloolaba.

"The fact both the Maroochy Shire Council and the state government have invested significant funds in this project demonstrates a joint commitment to developing Sippy Downs as an educational precinct."

The new Dixon Road-Claymore Road interchange is part of the state government-funded $66 million upgrade of the Sunshine Motorway between Sippy Downs Drive and Kawana Way.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819; Mayor Natoli’s Office 0439 786 824