A community group is calling on the state government to get to work on duplicating a section of the Sunshine Motorway.
The Coolum Residents Association said locals have waited for 10 years for more lanes north of the Maroochy River.
Group secretary Gary Lee urged the powers that be to make it a reality.
“CRA is keen to see the motorway upgraded to four lanes for capacity and safety reasons,” he said.
“It is clearly long overdue and urgently needed.
“There have been a number of concerning accidents on the Pacific Paradise to Coolum section.
“There is regular evening congestion northbound, at Pacific Paradise where the southern four lanes merge to two.
“If there is an accident on the northbound lane in the evening it can be very disruptive as the alternative route via David Low Way is already slow and congested.”
Before being voted out last year, Labor said it would bring forward $3 million to start a detailed business case for upgrades to the congested 11km stretch of road.
Meanwhile, the LNP made a $40 million commitment for a new interchange nearby but did not make any promises regarding the section of motorway that carries more than 30,000 vehicles a day.
A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesperson has now told Sunshine Coast News the state government is committed to planning more lanes.
But there are no guarantees when it will be done or if it will be done at all.
“TMR is undertaking planning to duplicate the Sunshine Motorway between Pacific Paradise and Coolum,” they said.
“Duplication of the motorway from two to four lanes will help improve safety, connectivity and efficiency, and accommodate future growth in the area.”
A revamped intersection, which could feature an overpass, is also proposed.
“Planning includes provision for a grade-separated interchange at Yandina-Coolum Road that will separate motorway traffic from east–west movements, south-facing motorway ramps at West Coolum Road and an active transport pathway,” the spokesperson said.
But costs, timings and a concerted commitment to go through with the proposal will depend on a thorough analysis of it.
“The Queensland Government allocated $3 million in the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2024-25 to 2027-28 to undertake business case planning to upgrade the Sunshine Motorway from Pacific Paradise to Coolum,” the spokesperson said.
“The business case phase is an important part of the project, as it investigates the preferred option in more detail to evaluate the design, construction costs, timings and staging.
“TMR will keep the community updated as the project progresses.”
Mr Lee said a motorway revamp would have multiple benefits.
“It would also be expected to incorporate well-designed active transport links from Coolum to the south and to the west, including Coolum Industrial Estate, the proposed ‘Blue Heart’ environmental and recreation area and the proposed Nambour to Coolum active transport link.”
He said a new-look interchange would make a difference.
“The dual lane roundabout at Coolum is also potentially dangerous with numerous low speed ‘bingles’,” he said.
“The proposed upgrade … would largely prevent any accidents and significantly improve traffic flows.”
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Mr Lee also said on and off ramps at West Coolum Road, proposed by the LNP, would be a “good interim solution” before lanes are duplicated.
“It would allow motorists from south of Coolum and perhaps even south to Marcoola to access the motorway southbound, and return from south, without having to come as far north as the Coolum roundabout, which should significantly reduce the congestion at the roundabout.”
Mr Lee said the CRA expected the ramps to be implemented soon and the design and construction of the duplication to be brought forward to before 2030.
Sunshine Coast News has approached the state MP for Ninderry Dan Purdie for comments.
