Works will start next month to tackle congestion at one of the Sunshine Coast’s most notorious traffic choke points.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said new metering signals at the Caloundra Road roundabout would reduce peak hour gridlock.
"The new metering signals will maintain traffic flow at each entry to the Caloundra Road, Nicklin Way and Pelican Waters Boulevard roundabout," Mr Bailey said..
"The Caloundra Road roundabout is a major access point for the southern part of the Sunshine Coast, particularly as communities at Caloundra South grow.
"Roundabout metering will be installed in October at all four entries to the intersection to improve travel times, reduce excessive queuing and enhance safety."
Mr Bailey said the metering signals would only operate when traffic builds up – at all other times normal roundabout rules would apply.
"We anticipate the metering signals to mainly operate during the afternoon peak," Mr Bailey said.
"The metering signals will also help balance delays during other congested periods when needed.
"Queue detectors will be installed on all entries and the metering signals will be activated when the detectors show a significant traffic build up.
"This will allow more traffic to enter the roundabout from the busiest approach."
Mr Bailey said motorists would see two things as they approached the roundabout.
"The first is an illuminated electronic sign that advises if the metering signals are in use, the second is the roundabout metering signals," he said.
"CCTV cameras will also be installed to monitor queues and ensure the metering signals are working efficiently."
Work on the $1 million project is scheduled to start in October, with construction expected to take about three months, weather permitting.
Mr Bailey said once the metering signals were in use, night works to resurface the northbound lanes of Nicklin Way between the roundabout and Beerburrum Street would start.
"The roundabout metering signals are an interim measure to improve traffic flow at the intersection," Mr Bailey said.
"We have also allocated $500,000 for planning to progress further staged improvements in this area."
