Works ramp up on QLD Maroochydore Rd & Mons Rd Interchanges project

As works on the Maroochydore Road and Mons Road Interchanges project in Queensland ramps up, several major traffic changes are going to be implemented by the end of 2022. 

“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 Palaszczuk Government will continue to barrack for the Sunshine Coast to deliver better services, safer roads and support hundreds of good jobs,” QLD Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

For those travelling to Nambour, the upgraded westbound bridge over the Bruce Highway is going to be used with those going to Maroochydore travelling over the new bridge at the Maroochydore Road interchange. 

These traffic changes are permanent although some lanes will remain temporarily closed until construction is completed. In addition, traffic signals are going to be reprogrammed and monitored. 

New service roads on the western and eastern sides of the highway will open to traffic gradually following these changes. 

“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,” State Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said. 

Connecting the Maroochydore Road and Mons Road interchanges via two new service roads on the eastern and western sides of the Bruce Highway is a key component of this major transport upgrade. 

The new western service road – which is going to be known as Chevallum Road between Mons Road and Leafy Lane – will initially open to northbound traffic only, which means that the existing northbound highway entry ramp from Mons Road is going to be permanently closed. 

With this, motorists can instead use the new western service road to access the Maroochydore Road interchange as well as Bruce Highway northbound. 

The western service road will fully open for both northbound and southbound traffic in early 2023. 

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

Motorists can use the Maroochydore Road interchange to access the eastern service road as well as the Forest Glen, Mons and Chevallum areas. The eastern service road is anticipated to fully open to traffic in early 2023. 

These access arrangements are set to make travelling on this corridor safer for motorists entering and exiting the Bruce Highway while also catering to additional traffic. 

Signs are going to be places to direct road users to the changed conditions and drivers are reminded to obey reduced speed limits and pay attention to the altered traffic conditions. 

Project map (source: Department of Transport and Main Roads)

The $301.25 million Maroochydore Road and Mons Road Interchanges project is jointly funded by the by the Australian and Queensland Governments on an 80:20 basis – each contributing $241 million and $60.25 million respectively. 

Construction on the multi-million-dollar project is due to be completed in mid-2023, weather and construction conditions permitting. 

Approximately 380 jobs on average are expected to be supported by the project. 

“From the mighty Bells Creek, to the Bruce Highway and beyond, the army of high vis 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,” State Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said. 

Kay features of Maroochydore Road and Mons Road Interchange project includes: 

• Building a new 4-lane eastbound bridge over the Bruce Highway from Nambour Connection Road to Maroochydore Road 
• Converting the existing Maroochydore Road and Nambour Connection Road roundabout to a fully controlled, signalised interchange with greater capacity 
• Extending and widening all on and off-ramps at the Maroochydore Road interchange 
• Connecting the Maroochydore Road and Mons Road interchanges via two new service roads on the eastern and western sides of the Bruce Highway 
• Removing the north-facing ramps at the Mons Road interchange 
• Upgrading the Mons Road southbound on-ramp 
• Moving the Mons Road northbound off-ramp to a new roundabout at the intersection of Chevallum Road and Rainforest Road 
• Widening Mons Road under the Bruce Highway 
• Delivering new active transport facilities for bike riders and pedestrians through the Maroochydore Road interchange connecting to the eastern service road 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads