Major contract awarded for Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade

A significant milestone has been reached on the Mooloolah River Interchange (MRI) Upgrade, with the award of a major contract to kick start the next stage of early works.

The joint venture between McIlwain Civil Engineering and SEE Civil will deliver the works, including major earthworks and embankment construction, in preparation for the beginning of main construction on the full interchange upgrade.

This early works package will involve moving tens of thousands of tonnes of material to construct a strong foundation for the new interchange.

This project is proposed to be built in two stages, with key features including:

• Stage 1
  • A new road overpass to provide a more direct and efficient connection from Nicklin Way to Brisbane Road at Mooloolaba
  • A new local road connection between Karawatha Drive at Mountain Creek and Brisbane Road at Mooloolaba
  • A new signalised intersection linking Brisbane Road and the new connection to Karawatha Drive, and provision of a two-way service road
  • A new active transport provisions for pedestrians and bike riders, connecting Mountain Creek and Mooloolaba
  • Local traffic separated from high-speed motorway traffic
• Stage 2
  • A new Mooloolah River Crossing connecting the Sunshine Motorway to Kawana Way
  • An additional northbound lane on the Sunshine Motorway between the Mooloolah River Interchange and Buderim-Mooloolaba Interchange
  • Duplication of the Sunshine Motorway between the existing Kawana Way Interchange and the new Mooloolah River interchange
  • A new overpass to connect Nicklin Way northbound with Brisbane Road

“The fix for one of the worst and most dangerous points on the Sunshine Motorway is finally being delivered by the Crisafulli Government and we continue to hit major milestones in our progress.

“This is one of the most important transport corridors on the Sunshine Coast and this project means safer, smoother and faster trips for everyone.

“After a decade of decline and neglect under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is finally getting on with delivering the Mooloolah River Interchange – as we promised,” Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said.

Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade Stage 1 map (source: QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads)

The Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade is designed to support the future metro corridor delivered through The Wave Stage 3 (Metro) project while also improving traffic flow through one of the Sunshine Coast’s busiest pinch points.

Meanwhile, The Wave Stage 3 is also progressing well with the release of new maps showing where The Wave will run between the Sunshine Coast University Hospital and Mountain Creek, including confirmed corridor alignment and station locations.

The Wave Stage 3 will deliver a high-capacity, high-frequency metro-style service that will link key growth areas, major employment hubs as well as essential services across the Sunshine Coast. This project will also be integrated with the future heavy passenger rail connection at Birtinya.

Investigations are currently continuing for the corridor north of Mountain Creek through to Maroochydore CBD and the Sunshine Coast Airport. The final corridor details are anticipated to be released in 2027 as planning is fast-tracked for the next stage of The Wave.

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering the infrastructure needed to support one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions, which is why we’re delivering The Wave all the way to the airport.

“After years of broken promises by Labor, these early works on The Wave are another way we are delivering the largest transport infrastructure investment ever planned for the Sunshine Coast,” Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said.

“After Labor failed to invest in the infrastructure the Sunshine Coast needs, we’re stepping up and delivering a project that will transform how locals move around the region.

“Both the MRI and The Wave will reduce congestion, improve safety and support a high-frequency metro system that connects people to jobs, health care and education,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said.

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads (1, 2)