The next stage of Bruce Highway upgrades for the Sunshine Coast will be built by the Palaszczuk government in its $3.13 billion, four-year road infrastructure map for the region.
An additional $22.8 million in state funding has been secured for the upgrade of the highway, also known as the Queensland Electric Super Highway for its 12 EV fast-charging stations.
It joins key budgets like the $662.5 million highway duplication from Steve Irwin Way to Caboolture, the $550 million Beerburrum to Nambour rail upgrade, as well as the ongoing construction of the $812.5 million highway upgrade from Caloundra Road to the Sunshine motorway.
“The Palaszczuk government is delivering a record $23 billion in roads and transport infrastructure for Queenslanders, including the state’s largest ever road project: the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program,” transport and main roads minister Mark Bailey says.
“The interchange upgrade will see a new four-lane, eastbound bridge built over the Bruce Highway at Maroochydore Road to accommodate growth in one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions.”
Bailey says active transport will be a key focus of the upgrade, with better access for bike riders and pedestrians through the Maroochydore Road interchange.
“More than 800,000 Queenslanders ride their bike each week, which is why we’re building bike infrastructure not only on this upgrade but also other upgrades along the coast include the Bruce upgrade from Caloundra Road to the Sunshine Motorway.”
Unlocking rail capacity on the Coast is another priority for the Palaszczuk government.
“By building the Sunshine Coast rail upgrade, we’ll be able to cut travel times, take cars off the road and create a more integrated public transport network for locals and visitors,” Bailey says.
The Palaszczuk government funded $7.5 million to develop a comprehensive public transport plan on the Sunshine Coast in partnership with the council.
