Published Thursday, 09 October, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Traffic signals switched on at new Maroochydore interchange
Traffic signals at the new Maroochydore Road interchange were switched on this morning, improving safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists on the Sunshine Coast.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the interchange had been redesigned to improve road safety and handle traffic growth into the future.
"The roundabout was nearing capacity and was no longer able to cope adequately and safely with the region's growing traffic needs," Mr Pitt said.
"A complete redesign was required rather than simply upgrading the existing roundabout to address these concerns."
The new interchange replaces the existing roundabout. It provides four lanes in each direction, two for through traffic and two for traffic turning right, as well as additional lanes for left turns.
Entry points to the interchange are controlled by traffic signals phased to accommodate pedestrian and cyclist movements.
"Safety is Main Roads’ number one priority and while the new design may increase travel time for some motorists, it will provide a safer road environment all road users," Mr Pitt said.
With traffic volumes on the Sunshine Motorway exceeding 35,000 vehicles a day and with more than 25,000 vehicles each day on Maroochydore Road, the old roundabout was nearing saturation.
"The traffic signals are co-ordinated to anticipate priority traffic movements and minimise queuing during peak periods," Mr Pitt said.
The new interchange also brings with it a number of important changes to pedestrian and cycle access across the Sunshine Motorway and Maroochydore Road.
"Off-road paths and signalised pedestrian crossings through the interchange provide the necessary links to local paths to Buderim, Kuluin and Maroochydore," Mr Pitt said.
"Traffic patterns may take a little time to settle down and motorists are encouraged to proceed with care. Main Roads will monitor the interchange and finetune signal synchronisation to ensure traffic flows smoothly."
The new interchange forms part of the Queensland Government's $104 million investment to duplicate the Sunshine Motorway to four lanes between Maroochydore Road and David Low Way. The entire project is expected to be finished by the end of the year.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the interchange had been redesigned to improve road safety and handle traffic growth into the future.
"The roundabout was nearing capacity and was no longer able to cope adequately and safely with the region's growing traffic needs," Mr Pitt said.
"A complete redesign was required rather than simply upgrading the existing roundabout to address these concerns."
The new interchange replaces the existing roundabout. It provides four lanes in each direction, two for through traffic and two for traffic turning right, as well as additional lanes for left turns.
Entry points to the interchange are controlled by traffic signals phased to accommodate pedestrian and cyclist movements.
"Safety is Main Roads’ number one priority and while the new design may increase travel time for some motorists, it will provide a safer road environment all road users," Mr Pitt said.
With traffic volumes on the Sunshine Motorway exceeding 35,000 vehicles a day and with more than 25,000 vehicles each day on Maroochydore Road, the old roundabout was nearing saturation.
"The traffic signals are co-ordinated to anticipate priority traffic movements and minimise queuing during peak periods," Mr Pitt said.
The new interchange also brings with it a number of important changes to pedestrian and cycle access across the Sunshine Motorway and Maroochydore Road.
"Off-road paths and signalised pedestrian crossings through the interchange provide the necessary links to local paths to Buderim, Kuluin and Maroochydore," Mr Pitt said.
"Traffic patterns may take a little time to settle down and motorists are encouraged to proceed with care. Main Roads will monitor the interchange and finetune signal synchronisation to ensure traffic flows smoothly."
The new interchange forms part of the Queensland Government's $104 million investment to duplicate the Sunshine Motorway to four lanes between Maroochydore Road and David Low Way. The entire project is expected to be finished by the end of the year.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819