Planning has started to duplicate a key section of the Sunshine Motorway on the Sunshine Coast, with a 10-kilometre link between the David Low Way interchange to north of Yandina-Coolum Road being identified as a priority section for a future upgrade.
Preliminary evaluation is underway to double the motorway from two to four lanes, to improve traffic flows and reduce congestion for the 30,000 motorists who use the motorway between Maroochydore and communities like Noosa and Eumundi daily.
The Queensland Government has allocated $1.75 million for the duplication planning for the Sunshine Motorway.
Consultancy firm SMEC has been awarded the contract to help deliver the preliminary evaluation.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the motorway duplication would support the areas growing population.
“With 88 per cent of net migration coming to Queensland in the next couple of years, we need to get the planning done now so we’re in a position to deliver this project when it’s needed,” he said.
Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said the motorway duplication would be an important step to supporting the area’s economy, as well as establishing a business hub in Maroochydore.
“Additional lanes will improve safety and congestion, and mean locals and businesses who rely on the motorway will spend less time stuck in traffic, particularly during those peak commuting times,” Skelton said.
“This initial planning phase needs to be completed first to identify a preferred option so a business case can be progressed.”
The preliminary evaluation is expected to be completed in late 2022, with key stakeholders and the local community to be consulted later this year.
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