Southern Sunshine Coast Roads Improvement Study
A study to identify road network connectivity improvements and safety improvements is underway to increase capacity on roads within the southern Sunshine Coast area to cater for the growing population.
Kawana Motorway (Mooloolah River Interchange to Kawana Way Link Road)
Options are being investigated for a new motorway link (Kawana Motorway) between Parrearra and Meridan Plains. This new 4-lane motorway will help cater for the growing population.
This planning study will investigate options for a new motorway link parallel with Kawana Way. The business case forms part of the Southern Sunshine Coast Roads Improvement Study.
The Kawana Motorway will provide a direct connection between Parrearra (the planned Mooloolah River Interchange at Kawana Way) and Meridan Plains (Kawana Way Link Road). This will reduce congestion and improve travel times and safety on other major roads such as Kawana Way and Nicklin Way.
Planning of these upgrades will address rapid urban growth in new emerging communities south and west of Caloundra including Caloundra South (Aura) and Palmview (Harmony).
The planning will investigate improvements to be constructed in two stages. The first stage will include a 2-lane road to reduce congestion, followed by a 4-lane motorway to cater for long-term traffic volumes.
This project will form part of a new north-south motorway (Sunshine Motorway, through the new Mooloolah River Interchange, onto Kawana Motorway, Kawana Way Link Road and Bells Creek Arterial Road to the Bruce Highway).
The business case will include an options analysis, early design development and some investigation work such as geotechnical field studies.
Design and construction of the project will be subject to future funding availability in consideration of competing statewide priorities.
Benefits
- Improves safety
- Increases capacity
- Improves network efficiency
- Increases traffic flow
- Reduces peak hour congestion
- Accessibility
- Reduces travel time
- Contributes to economy
- Better active transport
Key features
- A new major road to form part of a planned motorway connecting the Sunshine Motorway to Caloundra South and the Bruce Highway.
- Interchanges at intersections to accommodate long-term traffic volumes.
- Improved access to the Birtinya Town Centre and Sunshine Coast University Hospital and Health Precinct.
- Active transport infrastructure (pathways and cycle facilities) to improve safety and encourage these transport modes.
Funding
The Australian Government has committed $2.6 million towards this project as part of the Southern Sunshine Coast Roads Improvement Study. Investment ID 1213130
- Total investment
- $2.6 million
- Australian Government
- $2.6 million
Current status
We have started work to prepare a business case. Community consultation was undertaken in November 2021. Further consultation will take place in early 2023, after concept designs for the motorway are developed.
Project map
*The needs and impacts of the Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Study (CAMCOS) are a key consideration for Transport and Main Roads in planning these road connections. Planning has confirmed there is adequate space within the protected CAMCOS corridor to accommodate both road and rail.