Project info
Background
Steve Irwin Way provides an important regional link between the Sunshine Coast hinterland, coastal areas and the national highway network. It is also the main connector road to the townships of Beerburrum, Glasshouse Mountains, Beerwah and Landsborough.
In recent years, traffic volumes have risen considerably on this popular route as a result of increased tourist activity and sustained commercial and residential development in surrounding areas. Current predictions indicate this traffic growth is likely to continue at a rate of around two percent each year.
Planning for the future is a key priority for the Department of Transport and Main Roads. The $47.8 million upgrade of Steve Irwin Way between Landsborough and the Caloundra Road interchange with the Bruce Highway, will improve safety for road users, reduce congestion and cater for future growth.
To minimise the impact on motorists, residents and other road users, the project is being delivered in two stages.
Stage 1: Mooloolah Connection Road to Caloundra Road interchange
Work to upgrade Steve Irwin Way between Mooloolah Connection Road and the Caloundra Road interchange started in earnest in early 2009 and will finish in mid 2010, weather permitting.
Work involves:
- duplicating a 3.3 km section of Steve Irwin Way from two to four lanes
- realigning and signalising the Mooloolah Connection Road intersection
- installing traffic signals at the Cemex Quarry and Mooloolah Cemetery
- providing bus stops near Jowarra Park and Mooloolah Connection Road
- upgrading an existing culvert near the Cemex Quarry to a 30 m, two span bridge.
Stage 2: Hardwood Road/Railway Street intersection to Mooloolah Connection Road
Main Roads has completed the design for a future upgrade of Steve Irwin Way between Hardwood Road/Railway Street intersection and Mooloolah Connection Road.
Key features of this project include:
- duplicating a 5.2 km section of Steve Irwin Way from two to four lanes
- installing traffic signals at the Hardwood Road/Railway Street and Caloundra Street intersections and at the entrance to Camp Koongamoon
- realigning Old Caloundra Road to connect into Amigh Street
- providing new bridge crossings in the vicinity of Ewen Maddock Dam
- providing safer crossing opportunities for pedestrians via signalised intersections
- providing a 2.5 m wide road shoulder for cyclists.
Funding for construction of this project will be considered as part of future reviews of the department's Roads Implementation Program.
Key milestones
Early 2009 to mid 2009: construction of Stage 1 (Landsborough to Caloundra Road interchange).
Contact details
For further information, please contact Main Roads on:
