Maroochydore Road upgrade officially commissioned

The $110 million upgrade of Maroochydore Road from the Bruce Highway to Kunda Park was officially commissioned today, Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said.

Mr Pitt said the completion of the road upgrade would provide a more efficient, smoother and safer road network to support the Sunshine Coast’s rapidly growing population.

“The upgrade of Maroochydore Road to four lanes will reduce congestion and also improve safety and flood immunity for the Sunshine Coast," Mr Pitt said.

“With more than 26,000 vehicles a day travelling on sections of Maroochydore Road, it is one of the Sunshine Coast’s major east-west connectors.

"The Bligh Government is committed to upgrading infrastructure in this area and this project will assist in catering for future growth in the region."

Main Roads Parliamentary Secretary Annastacia Palaszczuk was on site today to officially commission the project.

Ms Palaszczuk said stage one of the upgrade project – Martins Creek to Pike Street – was opened to traffic in December 2006. Recent works on the $90 million upgrade from Pike Street to the Bruce Highway marked the completion of the final stage of the project, she said.

“Completion of this final section now means we have a high-standard four-lane road from Maroochydore all the way through to the Bruce Highway,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

"Work on this project, which began in June 2006, has included the construction of new bridges over Eudlo Creek, an overpass at Eudlo Flats Road and a grade-separated interchange at Sandalwood and Stark lanes.

"The new 3.8-kilometre alignment involved with this upgrade will provide improved flood immunity and give road users better access to the rapidly growing commercial centre in Maroochydore.

"Motorists will experience a smoother ride and increased safety with the installation of wire-rope median barriers between the new divided carriageways."

On behalf of Main Roads, Ms Palaszczuk thanked the public for its continued patience throughout the upgrade construction period.

"The great co-operation from the Sunshine Coast community has ensured a safe environment for road users and construction workers alike," she said.

Old Maroochydore Road will remain as a service road for local traffic and connect to the new road at the Pike Street and Sandalwood Lane intersection.

Media contact: Minister’s office 3227 8819