Works progress on QLD Maroochydore & Mons roads interchange upgrade

Queensland’s $301.25 million Mons Road and Maroochydore Road interchange upgrade on the Bruce Highway is progressing well towards completion as it reaches three new milestones. 

Two upgraded exits as well as a new four-lane concrete bridge over the highway have opened to traffic in the past month. 

With the old Exit 200 now closed, northbound traffic exiting the Bruce Highway to Mons, Chevallum and Forest Glen are being directed 1.2 kilometres south to the new Exit 200 that connects to a roundabout at the intersection of Chevallum and Rainforest roads – which is part of a new western service road (Chevallum Road) that is being built. 

“What a great day to be a Sunshine Coaster when we can celebrate major infrastructure milestones like this. 

“The new Exit 200 is thanks to the feedback provided by the local community when it was identified that the original northbound exit was of concern to drivers. 

“Now, we’re well underway with construction and supporting about 380 good jobs right here on the Sunshine Coast. 

“This is great news for contractors and suppliers in the region, and even better news for our booming local economy,” Member for Nicklin Robert Skelton said. 

In addition, southbound traffic accessing Maroochydore Road and Nambour Connection Road from the Bruce Highway will now be using the upgraded Exit 201, about 200 metres north of the old exit ramp. 

The two upgraded exits are now significantly longer and wider than the old ramps, increasing the space for queuing traffic. 

“The Palaszczuk Government is proud to be delivering this project that helps drive not only good local jobs, but continues the progress made for our roads network by progressive record transport budgets. 

“This year’s budget saw our seventh record $29.7 billion road and transport plan handed down. 

“Right here at the Mons and Maroochydore roads interchanges, the new Exit 200 and Exit 201 are significantly longer and wider making it safer when exiting the highway and reduce queuing,” QLD Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

On the other hand, vehicles travelling from Maroochydore Road to Nambour Connection Road are being diverted onto the new Maroochydore Road interchange bridge – a temporary diversion while works are carried out on the existing westbound bridge. 

Parapets of the new bridge abstractly depict local references such as the nearby Big Pineapple, a Bunya Nut tree as well as local indigenous history. 

To help improve safety and regulate traffic flow, synchronised traffic signals have been installed at the Maroochydore Road and Nambour Connection Road roundabout. 

Signal phasing at the roundabout is going to be closely monitored and adjusted over the coming months to ensure optimal safety and efficiency. 

Weather and construction conditions permitting, the temporary redirection of traffic will be in place for up to three months. 

As part of the upgrade, new two-way service roads on the eastern and western sides of the Bruce Highway are already being built. 

The Maroochydore Road and Mons Road interchange upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Government on an 80:20 basis, each contributing $241 million and $60.25 million respectively. 

“The Australian Government is continuing to invest in projects to make Queensland roads safer and more efficient. 

“It’s terrific to see work progressing so well on this major infrastructure project, which will make it safer and more efficient for people traffic to and from the Bruce Highway. 

“Building a new bridge in a live traffic environment is no small feat, so I’m pleased to see work now complete and the bridge in use to the benefit of local motorists,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

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

The entire interchange upgrade 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 side 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 

The project is anticipated to be completed in mid-2023. 

“The Palaszczuk Government is investing in roads and transport like never before, and nowhere is that investment more evident than on the Bruce Highway. 

“Our $13 billion, 15-year pipeline of work will keep Queensland moving and get locals home safer and sooner. 

“These are major investments, and proof of the Palaszczuk Government commitment to better mobility, efficiency, and safety, all across Queensland,” Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said. 

The Bruce Highway Upgrade – Maroochydore Road and Mons Road Interchanges project is being delivered by the John Holland and Seymour Whyte Joint Venture. You can read more about the contract award here. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Infrastructure Magazine