The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has advised of planning being undertaken to deliver business cases for two major infrastructure projects as part of the Southern Sunshine Coast Roads Improvement Study.
TMR is inviting community feedback on these projects, which are:
- a new motorway link, Kawana Motorway, between Parrearra at the proposed future Mooloolah River Interchange and Meridan Plains at Kawana Way Link Road
- a staged upgrade for the intersection at Caloundra Road, Kawana Way Link Road and Bells Creek Arterial Road (CKB intersection).
Both projects, along with the Mooloolah River Interchange, will form part of an important north–south connection for the Sunshine Coast, which will ultimately connect the existing Sunshine Motorway to the Bruce Highway via Bells Creek Arterial Road (refer to the attached map, which shows an indicative alignment of this route).
Kawana Motorway
Running parallel to Kawana Way, the proposed new Kawana Motorway will reduce congestion and improve travel times and safety on Kawana Way and Nicklin Way, particularly for public transport.
It will provide improved access to the Birtinya Town Centre and Sunshine Coast University Hospital and Health Precinct to ensure these services remain accessible as urban growth continues in emerging communities south and west of Caloundra.
In addition to a significant motorway connection, this project is expected to include interchanges at intersections to accommodate long-term traffic demands, and active transport infrastructure to improve safety and encourage these transport modes. TMR has not yet developed concept plans for this project and is seeking general feedback on the project to inform the business case. Further information is available on the project webpage at: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/kawanamotorway.
Caloundra Road, Kawana Way Link Road and Bells Creek Arterial Road (CKB) intersection upgrade
TMR is investigating options to improve safety and reduce congestion at the intersection of Caloundra Road, Kawana Way Link Road and Bells Creek Arterial Road in Caloundra. They are planning these upgrades to address rapid urban growth in new emerging communities.
Early planning identified a longer-term upgrade solution (a new interchange with an overpass/flyover) to address future traffic demands and a lower cost solution which may be delivered in the shorter term (a signalised intersection, which would form part of the future longer-term solution).
Further information, including concept plans for these upgrades, is available on the project webpage at: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/ckbintersection.
Community feedback
Community consultation for both of the above projects opened on 1 November 2021 and will remain open for 4 weeks, closing on 26 November 2021. These business cases are expected to be completed in 2023.
