The new road network within the Maroochydore City Centre officially opened to vehicles this morning providing significantly improved accessibility into and around the core commercial areas of Maroochydore.
This $20.38 million project upgraded five intersections to accommodate the region's future growth, delivering improved traffic connectivity and road safety in the area.
The project included upgrades to:
• Aerodrome Road intersections with First Avenue and Maud Street
• Maud Street intersections with Bungama, Allambie and Dalby Streets.
Sunshine Coast Division 8 Councillor Jason O'Pray was one of the first to drive into the new Maroochydore City Centre today from the new Aerodrome Road and First Avenue intersection.
"People's Day on Saturday for the new Maroochydore City Centre was a real celebration of this new infrastructure for one of the region's busiest areas in the region's transport network," Cr O'Pray said.
"It provides a direct link from the wider region into the new Maroochydore City Centre and I would like to thank the local community for their patience and ongoing support of this project during construction.
"With stage one of the city centre now open and accessible, I invite everyone to come and explore this exciting new space which will be transformed into the heart of the Sunshine Coast.
"Council encourages active transport and with great new pedestrian paths and a separated cycling facility, walkers and cyclists are well catered to when visiting.
"Whether you drive, ride or walk into the city centre, be sure to check out one of the four new digital kiosks installed at key points throughout the city centre for instant community news and updates at your fingertips," he said.
Sunshine Coast Division 4 Councillor John Connolly said that with the opening of the first stage of the city centre, drivers will now have an alternative parallel route linking Maud Street to Plaza Parade and Sunshine Plaza.
"This is forecast to reduce peak period travel times along Aerodrome Road by up to 7% and provide some relief to congestion currently experienced at First Avenue," Cr Connolly said.
Cr Connolly also encouraged residents and visitors to take a virtual tour of the city centre by downloading council's app to their mobile devices.
"All that you need to do is search 'SCCApp' in the App Store or on Google Play to download, then click on 'things to do' followed by 'guided walks' and select the Maroochydore City Centre option," Cr Connolly said.
"This will provide you with a tour of the site and provide insight into how it will look in the years to come."
