Big changes for Forest Glen and Chevallum

A number of major traffic changes are expected by end of the year as the Maroochydore Road and Mons Road Interchanges project charges ahead.

Traffic travelling to Nambour will use the upgraded westbound bridge over the Bruce Highway with traffic travelling to Maroochydore travelling over the new bridge at the Maroochydore Road interchange.

These are permanent traffic changes, however some lanes will remain temporarily closed to finish construction work. Traffic signal phasing will be reprogrammed and monitored.  

After this, new service roads on the western and eastern side of the highway will gradually open to traffic.

A key component of the major transport upgrade involves connecting the Maroochydore Road and Mons Road interchanges via two new service roads on the eastern and western sides of the Bruce Highway.

The new western service road (to be known as Chevallum Road between Mons Road and Leafy Lane) will initially open to northbound traffic only.

This means the existing northbound highway entry ramp from Mons Road will permanently close, and instead motorists will use the new western service road to access the Maroochydore Road interchange and Bruce Highway northbound.

The full opening of the western service road (for northbound and southbound traffic) is expected in early 2023.

The eastern service road will also progressively open to traffic, with southbound traffic initially travelling on a new section between Mons Road and the Maroochydore Road interchange. The existing southbound highway exit ramp (Exit 200) to Mons Road will permanently close.

Motorists will use the Maroochydore Road interchange to access the eastern service road and the Forest Glen, Mons and Chevallum areas. Full opening of the eastern service road is expected in early 2023.

The new access arrangements will make it safer for motorists entering and exiting the Bruce Highway as well as cater for additional traffic.

Signs will be in place to direct motorists to the changed conditions and motorists are reminded to obey reduced speed limits and pay attention to changed traffic conditions.

The jointly funded, $301.25 million project includes upgrading both the Maroochydore Road and Mons Road interchanges and providing two-way service roads on the eastern and western sides of the Bruce Highway for local traffic.

When complete, the project will improve safety and efficiency and significantly increase capacity at the Mons Road and Maroochydore Road interchanges and along this section of the Bruce Highway.

This project is jointly funded on an 80:20 basis, with the Australian Government contributing $241 million and the Queensland Government contributing $60.25 million.

Construction is expected to be completed in mid-2023 (weather and construction conditions permitting) with the project expected to support an average of 380 jobs.

For more information and to register for project updates, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/bruce-highway-maroochydore-road-and-mons-road-interchanges.

For up-to-date information on road closures and conditions across the state, visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au, call 13 19 40 or download the QldTraffic app.

Quotes attributable to Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:

"We’re charging full steam ahead on this major upgrade, which I’m sure drivers can see as they motor past on the Bruce Highway.

“It’s already been a big year for the project, and there is more to come before January 1.

“The level of investment on the Sunshine Coast is a true testament to our hardworking MPs Jason Hunt and Rob Skelton who continue to champion projects like this, like Bells Creek Arterial and duplication of rail line between Beerburrum and Beerwah.

“The Palaszczuk Government will continue to barrack for the Sunshine Coast to deliver better services, safer road and support hundreds of good jobs.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton:

“As one of Queensland’s busiest highways, the additional capacity and safety this project will deliver will be welcomed by locals, tourists and commuters alike.

"The project is moving up a gear and there will be some changes – both bridges at Maroochydore Road will be open to traffic, doubling capacity over the Bruce, as well as progressive opening of the service roads.

“While this project is largely about improving safety and efficiency on the Bruce Highway, it’s also about providing better connections for locals to get them home safer and sooner.

“It’s a big job but we’re on the home stretch.

“We will continue to deliver for the region as it continues to grow, and appreciate the patience of drivers while we do just that.”

Quote attributable to State Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt:

“From the mighty Bells Creek, to the Bruce Highway and beyond, the army of high vis is on the ground is evidence of the sheer scale of work going into our growing region.

“I’m proud to be part of a Labor Government that backs workers, and look forward to seeing what the next 12 months has in store for us.

“Good jobs and better transport services is what we’ll deliver, so you can spend less time in traffic and more time enjoying all the Sunshine Coast has to offer.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Courtney Thompson - 0433 585 570