100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

Six lanes on the way: 11km highway upgrade edges closer to completion

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

80+ PHOTOS: Coast pays tribute on ANZAC Day

Photographers Grant Richards and Brian Walsh were on hand during ANZAC Day commemorations for the Maroochy RSL and at Mooloolaba respectively. Related story: Lest we More

Flood rescue and lightning strike after night of heavy rain

A person has been rescued from floodwaters and another was struck by lightning after wild weather hit the Sunshine Coast. ANZAC Day commemorations went ahead More

Lest we forget: Coast pauses to remember on wet ANZAC Day

Across the Sunshine Coast this morning community members have gathered to pay heartfelt tribute to past and present servicemen and women as part of More

Never forgotten: veteran’s mission to keep ANZAC spirit alive

Every year on April 25, Australians and New Zealanders commemorate those who have given their lives, fought on the frontline, served in the Armed More

ANZAC Day: where you can attend services on the Coast

This Friday the country will stop to remember the sacrifice and bravery of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and servicewomen, past and present. April 25 More

Easter feast: python devours possum at busy beach

A slithery creature has enjoyed quite the Easter feast while stunning visitors at a popular beach over the recent long weekend. Passers-by were stopped in More

A $662.5m upgrade to an 11km section of highway is closer to completion, after a milestone was reached in time for the holidays rush.

The project, between Caboolture-Bribie Island Road and Steve Irwin Way (Exit 163) at Elimbah, is expected to be completed early next year.

Three lanes on the northbound section are now operational, offering a smoother traffic flow just in time for the holidays. The third lane of the southbound carriageway will open in early 2024.

The raised speed limit of 110km/hr on the upgraded section is expected to streamline travel and improve commuters’ trips.

Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said travel would be more efficient between Brisbane and the southern Sunshine Coast.

“Extra lanes on the Bruce Highway are a real game changer for Caloundra, especially when you add in the new Bells Creek Arterial Road,” he said via a state government media release.

“Between the Bruce Highway Upgrade and Bells Creek Arterial Road, more people can get to Caloundra this summer, faster.”

Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.

Travel between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast should be more efficient. Picture: Shutterstock.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick said the project would make a significant difference to commuters.

“An extra lane up to the southern end of the Steve Irwin Way means less congestion and quicker travel times for people travelling to the beautiful Sunshine Coast,” he said.

“Queensland is attracting more interstate migrants than any other state or territory and we need to build infrastructure like this to support that growth.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish was delighted a project milestone could be reached.

“With recent wet weather, crews had to work hard to get the third northbound lane open before Christmas,” he said.

“It’s a great outcome for motorists, with increased capacity and upgraded flood immunity in time for what is traditionally a very busy time on the roads.”

The plans for the southern section between Caboolture-Bribie Island Road and Pumicestone Road.
The plans for the southern section between Pumicestone Road and Steve Irwin Way.

Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm said thousands of daily motorists would benefit.

“As more people choose to call this wonderful area home, that means more cars on our roads,” he said.

The project is funded with $530 million from the Australian Government and $132.5 million from the Queensland Government. The investment is estimated to support an average of 664 direct jobs over the life of the project.

Help us deliver more news by registering for our FREE daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email at the bottom of this article.

 

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

Hidden
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share