Published Thursday, 21 August, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Traffic Flows Over Both Maroochy River Bridges - Four Months Early
Congestion relief will be a step closer for Sunshine Coast residents from tonight when traffic flows across both bridges over the Maroochy River for the first time – four months ahead of schedule.
Acting Main Roads Minister Kerry Shine today announced that northbound traffic would switch onto the refurbished existing bridge late this evening, leaving the new bridge completed last December to carry southbound traffic.
The two bridges are known collectively as the Maroochy Bridge.
"I'm delighted by the progress Main Roads had made with the bridgework component of this project, despite 1.4 metres of rain falling on site since December," Mr Shine said.
"To complete the widening and refurbishment of the existing bridge four months ahead of schedule reflects the dedication of Main Roads and the project team of GHD and JF Hull Holdings.
"It's quite appropriate that traffic will begin flowing across both bridges this week, as it has been an Olympic-like effort to get to this point."
The bridgework forms part of the $104 million upgrade of the Sunshine Motorway between Maroochydore Road and David Low Way, which also includes the construction of a new signalised interchange at Maroochydore Road.
Mr Shine said the real benefits of the dual bridges would be delivered with the completion of the entire project later this year.
"By completing the bridgework so early and switching traffic, project staff are now in a position to finalise the approaches to the bridges earlier than expected," Mr Shine said.
"When the project is finished later in 2008, motorists will enjoy significantly improved traffic flow and travel time savings, as well as the safety benefits that come from a less congested road.
"I note the sister project, the $85 million Pacific Paradise bypass, is also progressing well and will be completed early next year.
"This project will improve safety and reduce congestion by taking traffic away from the centre of Pacific Paradise. It will also significantly improve access to the busy Sunshine Coast Airport."
The new signalised interchange at Maroochydore Road is expected to be operational in October.
Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273
Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Acting Main Roads Minister Kerry Shine today announced that northbound traffic would switch onto the refurbished existing bridge late this evening, leaving the new bridge completed last December to carry southbound traffic.
The two bridges are known collectively as the Maroochy Bridge.
"I'm delighted by the progress Main Roads had made with the bridgework component of this project, despite 1.4 metres of rain falling on site since December," Mr Shine said.
"To complete the widening and refurbishment of the existing bridge four months ahead of schedule reflects the dedication of Main Roads and the project team of GHD and JF Hull Holdings.
"It's quite appropriate that traffic will begin flowing across both bridges this week, as it has been an Olympic-like effort to get to this point."
The bridgework forms part of the $104 million upgrade of the Sunshine Motorway between Maroochydore Road and David Low Way, which also includes the construction of a new signalised interchange at Maroochydore Road.
Mr Shine said the real benefits of the dual bridges would be delivered with the completion of the entire project later this year.
"By completing the bridgework so early and switching traffic, project staff are now in a position to finalise the approaches to the bridges earlier than expected," Mr Shine said.
"When the project is finished later in 2008, motorists will enjoy significantly improved traffic flow and travel time savings, as well as the safety benefits that come from a less congested road.
"I note the sister project, the $85 million Pacific Paradise bypass, is also progressing well and will be completed early next year.
"This project will improve safety and reduce congestion by taking traffic away from the centre of Pacific Paradise. It will also significantly improve access to the busy Sunshine Coast Airport."
The new signalised interchange at Maroochydore Road is expected to be operational in October.
Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400 or 0488 799 273
Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819