The Sunshine Coast's most transformational road project in decades has passed a major checkpoint with the opening of the new exit 190 near Aussie World.
Australian and Queensland Government representatives made a pit stop at exit 190 today ahead of the new exit's opening as part of the $812.95million Bruce Highway—Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway project.
Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said it was the first of many upgrades in this section of road that would improve safety, increase efficiency and reduce congestion on the Bruce Highway.
"Around Australia we are investing in making local roads safer so people can get home sooner and safer," Mr McCormack said.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Bruce Highway—Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway project was supporting more than 680 jobs over the life of the project.
"The $812.95million upgrade is a game-changing project for the Sunshine Coast and Queensland. The opening of exit 190 is only the beginning for the 63,000 vehicles that travel along this stretch of the highway every day," Ms Palaszczuk said.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said the opening of exit 190 was a huge win for local motorists and businesses in the Aussie World precinct.
"The new exit has been moved 400m south of the old ramp, providing safer access for Glenview and Palmview residents and the thousands of visitors to the Aussie World precinct every year," Mr Wallace said.
"Importantly, the ramp also provides direct access to the new car pool facility, allowing commuters to park their vehicles and travel with their colleagues, family and friends, and reducing the number of cars on the road."
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the visit to inspect progress on the upgrade coincided with the release of new flyover footage designed to give the public a glimpse of what the upgrade will look like once completed.
"For the first time ever, the public can now see for themselves what this $812.95million undertaking will look like when they hop in the car with their family and just how much of a difference it will make to their drive, once complete," Mr Bailey said.
"The footage brings the project to life, previewing key features including Australia's first Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at Caloundra Road, which will help to manage vehicle demand in the growing region through an innovative, future-proof design that minimises environmental impact and improves access for other modes of active transport.
"It gives a glimpse into the brand new upgraded section through Glenview and Palmview, the new separated cycleways, as well as the land that has been dedicated as a National Park for future generations, and on to the new Sunshine Motorway interchange and western service road connections in the north."
Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O'Brien said the investment is helping build the safer roads locals deserve.
"This is the most comprehensive highway upgrade the Sunshine Coast has ever seen, delivering major upgrades to interchanges, widening the highway to six-lanes and delivering a two-way service road to separate local and long distance traffic," Mr O'Brien said.
"It's part of the 10-year, $10billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program to make this critical highway safer."
