Published Friday, 05 December, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Motorway upgrade a valuable asset for the Sunshine Coast
The $104 million upgrade to the Sunshine Motorway between Maroochydore Road and David Low Way was officially commissioned today by Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt.
Mr Pitt said the commissioning was a major milestone for the Sunshine Coast.
"The upgraded road has doubled the motorway's capacity providing safer and more efficient travel for people up and down the coast,” Mr Pitt said.
The bridge over the Maroochy River, the redesigned Maroochydore Road interchange and the duplication of the motorway are expected to be fully operational and open to traffic by 19 December 2008, weather permitting.
"The upgrade will cut 15 minutes off the average journey at peak times for motorists who make the river crossing each day," Mr Pitt said.
The Maroochy Bridge now operates with three lanes in each direction (six lanes in total) including two lanes for through-traffic and one lane servicing Bradman Avenue.
Mr Pitt said early benefits of the project were realised with the opening of the new southbound bridge over the Maroochy River last year, which improved traffic flow for southbound north shore traffic.
"Completion of widening work on the original bridge in August this year and opening of the redesigned Maroochydore Road interchange in October 2008 have also contributed to the project's success," Mr Pitt said.
"The upgrade has also helped develop sustainable transport modes on the coast with a $6 million investment in new off-road paths for pedestrians and cyclists."
The project has provided stimulation to the local economy by creating over 130 full-time jobs on site over the construction period, as well as creating jobs off site in the manufacturing sector that produced the vast array of bridge and road building materials required for the work.
Mr Pitt said it was the third in a series of four projects worth $290 million to upgrade the Sunshine Motorway.
Others have included the Main Roads/Sunshine Coast Regional Council joint project build the $35 million Maroochy Boulevard interchange, which was completed in August 2007, the $66 million upgrade between Sippy Downs Drive and Kawana Way finished in July this year, and the $85 million Pacific Paradise interchange and bypass, which is expected to be completed in early 2009.
On behalf of Main Roads, Mr Pitt thanked the community for its patience during the upgrade’s construction.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819.
Mr Pitt said the commissioning was a major milestone for the Sunshine Coast.
"The upgraded road has doubled the motorway's capacity providing safer and more efficient travel for people up and down the coast,” Mr Pitt said.
The bridge over the Maroochy River, the redesigned Maroochydore Road interchange and the duplication of the motorway are expected to be fully operational and open to traffic by 19 December 2008, weather permitting.
"The upgrade will cut 15 minutes off the average journey at peak times for motorists who make the river crossing each day," Mr Pitt said.
The Maroochy Bridge now operates with three lanes in each direction (six lanes in total) including two lanes for through-traffic and one lane servicing Bradman Avenue.
Mr Pitt said early benefits of the project were realised with the opening of the new southbound bridge over the Maroochy River last year, which improved traffic flow for southbound north shore traffic.
"Completion of widening work on the original bridge in August this year and opening of the redesigned Maroochydore Road interchange in October 2008 have also contributed to the project's success," Mr Pitt said.
"The upgrade has also helped develop sustainable transport modes on the coast with a $6 million investment in new off-road paths for pedestrians and cyclists."
The project has provided stimulation to the local economy by creating over 130 full-time jobs on site over the construction period, as well as creating jobs off site in the manufacturing sector that produced the vast array of bridge and road building materials required for the work.
Mr Pitt said it was the third in a series of four projects worth $290 million to upgrade the Sunshine Motorway.
Others have included the Main Roads/Sunshine Coast Regional Council joint project build the $35 million Maroochy Boulevard interchange, which was completed in August 2007, the $66 million upgrade between Sippy Downs Drive and Kawana Way finished in July this year, and the $85 million Pacific Paradise interchange and bypass, which is expected to be completed in early 2009.
On behalf of Main Roads, Mr Pitt thanked the community for its patience during the upgrade’s construction.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819.