Help unlock peak-hour congestion in region’s ‘heart’
Currently both Sugar Road and Maud Street are heavily congested during peak hours, with motorists experiencing long traffic queues and delays, as well as no safe, off-road walking and riding paths. Community feedback is now being encouraged to help improve plans for the upgrade of this important transit route.
With Maroochydore continuing to grow, more workers, residents and visitors than ever before are travelling to and from the heart of the Sunshine Coast.
Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli said Sugar Road and Maud Street were key commuter routes and movements were forecast to increase in the coming decade.
“Currently both Sugar Road and Maud Street are heavily congested during peak hours, with motorists experiencing long traffic queues and delays, as well as no safe, off-road walking and riding paths,” Cr Natoli said.
“Improving road safety, reducing congestion and providing walking and riding paths along this important transit route is a top priority for Sunshine Coast Council.
“Although construction of a much-needed upgrade isn’t expected to begin before 2026, community feedback is now being encouraged to help improve plans for its upgrade.”
The community is invited to view the concept design and share feedback on the Sunshine Coast Council Have Your Say website for four weeks between August 18 and September 15, or talk to the project team at four community drop-in sessions:
- Saturday August 26, 10.00am-3.00pm at Sunshine Plaza (Ground floor near Mister Minit), Maroochydore
- Thursday August 31, 3.00pm-7.00pm at Sunshine Plaza (Ground floor near Mister Minit), Maroochydore
- Tuesday September 5, 11.30am-3.30pm at 89 Sugar Road, Maroochydore
- Thursday September 7, 11.30am-3.30pm at Maroochydore Library, 44 Sixth Avenue, Maroochydore
Transport Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said the upgrade would bring many advantages, and not just for motorists.
“Along with reducing delays and improving safety for buses, private vehicles, freight and emergency vehicles, Council wants to provide a safe and inclusive environment for walkers, riders and all mobility needs, to improve the connectivity and accessibility of the area,” Cr Baberowski said.
“The project will provide dedicated riding facilities and improved facilities for safe crossing of this important corridor.
“The revised design includes new, separated two-way cycle track, wider pedestrian paths, an extra two traffic lanes, intersection upgrades with signalised pedestrian and rider crossings, bus stop upgrades, landscaping and street lighting.
“Revamping Sugar Road and Maud Street will also create a healthier, user-friendly environment that benefits locals, schools and businesses in the area.
“This project is part of the Council’s limited road construction program that is essential to keep us moving as more than 500,000 people choose to call the coast home by 2041.
“Council invests millions of dollars in the transport network every year to ensure the region keeps pace with growth.
“Daily car trips around the Sunshine Coast are forecast to increase from 1.2 million to 2 million by 2041, as new suburbs emerge, economic hubs expand and tourism grows.
“Council aims to limit this increase by advocating for better public transport, investing in new walking and riding infrastructure and delivering the ThinkChange travel behaviour change program and its initiatives to reduce car use.”