ORIGINAL INTERCHANGE BRIDGE TO SOON BE HISTORY

Demolition of the original eastbound bridge connecting Nambour to Maroochydore over the Bruce Highway is set to start later this month (20 January), marking a significant Bruce Highway milestone.

The original two-lane concrete bridge was built in 1990 as part of the Nambour Bypass, and has since been replaced by a new, two-span one that will carry four lanes of traffic, including active transport facilities for bike riders and pedestrians.

From 7pm on Friday 20 January until 5am on Monday 23 January 2023, weather and construction conditions permitting, construction crews will work continuously to demolish the old bridge.

The old bridge consists of one large concrete structure, which sits above four lanes of the Bruce Highway traffic.

The demolition work will involve excavators working to remove the structure, with more than 80 per cent of the discarded material expected to be repurposed for future road projects.

To maintain the safety of motorists during the demolition, all Bruce Highway traffic will be detoured through the Maroochydore Road interchange.

Motorists are advised to expect significant delays at the Maroochydore Road interchange and encouraged to avoid the area if possible.

While demolition is underway, alternative routes will be available via the Sunshine Motorway or Bli Bli Road.

Transport and Main Roads appreciates roadworks can be frustrating for surrounding residents and businesses and every effort will be made to minimise the impacts of the demolition on the community.

In the lead-up to the weekend works, traffic travelling from Maroochydore Road to Nambour Connection Road has been realigned onto the newly upgraded, westbound bridge to enable the demolition to take place.

The jointly funded, $301.25 million project includes upgrading both the Maroochydore Road and Mons Road interchanges and providing two-way service roads on the eastern and western sides of the Bruce Highway for local traffic.

When complete, the project will improve safety and efficiency and significantly increase capacity at the Mons Road and Maroochydore Road interchanges and along this section of the highway.

This project is jointly funded on an 80:20 basis, with the Australian Government contributing $241 million and the Queensland Government contributing $60.25 million.

The project is expected to be completed in mid 2023 (weather and construction conditions permitting). It is estimated to support an average of 380 direct jobs over the life of the project.

For more information and to register for project updates, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/bruce-highway-maroochydore-road-and-mons-road-interchanges.

For up-to-date information on road closures and conditions across the state, visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au, call 13 19 40 or download the QldTraffic app.

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

"The Australian Government is continuing to invest in projects to make Queensland roads safer and more efficient.

"Replacing the original, two-lane, eastbound bridge with a new, four-lane bridge over the highway will significantly increase capacity and safety at the Maroochydore Road interchange, making it quicker and safer for motorists to travel home.

“This project is part of the 15-year, $13 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program which is aimed at improving safety, flood resilience and capacity between Brisbane and Cairns.”

Quotes attributable to State Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:

“We know how important upgrading the Bruce Highway is for Queenslanders, which is why we’re getting on with this important piece of work.

“Demolition of the old Maroochydore Road interchange bridge will be a complex job – as it was built as one large concrete structure, it needs to be removed in one process.

“Removing this bridge will help crews get on with important works to ease congestion and improve safety on the Bruce Highway.

“This project is another example of the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s commitment to delivering better services across the state, and helping Queenslanders get home sooner and safer.

"As always, we appreciate the public's ongoing patience and co-operation while this important road project is underway."

Quotes attributable to State Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton:

“It’s great to see we’re getting on with this important upgrade.

"Crews will be working around the clock during from 7pm on Friday 20 January to 5am Monday 23 January to safely remove the bridge.

“It comes as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s over $3 billion road and transport plan for the Sunshine Coast over the next four years, supporting 2,700 good, secure jobs in the region.

“We’re delivering more lanes, better interchanges and safer conditions all across the state, helping Queenslanders spend less time behind the wheel and more enjoying our great lifestyle.

“During construction, the section of the Bruce Highway under the bridge will be closed, and a detour will be in place through the Maroochydore Road interchange.

“Motorists are strongly encouraged to find an alternate route during the demolition weekend.”