THE CRISAFULLI Government recently announced that SMEC Australia Pty Ltd has been awarded the detailed design contract to progress the Sunshine Motorway and West Coolum Road interchange upgrade at Mount Coolum.

The project will deliver two new south-facing ramps, providing an additional access point to the motorway between Yandina–Coolum Road and Pacific Paradise, helping to ease pressure on local intersections and reducing congestion.

The new interchange will support improved connections across the local road network, aligning with Sunshine Coast Council plans to connect Suncoast Beach Drive and South Coolum Road to West Coolum Road.

The south-facing ramps will also form part of the future duplication of the Sunshine Motorway from two to four lanes, supporting long-term growth across the region.

Member for Maroochydore, Fiona Simpson, praised the start of the project.

“We’re delivering this election commitment for the Sunshine Coast, and the design contract being awarded is an important milestone in this project’s progression,” Ms Simpson said.

“We know residents want to see action to address congestion, and importantly, this new interchange will integrate into Sunshine Coast Council’s plans to build a connector west of Mount Coolum, from South Coolum Road to Suncoast Beach Drive and West Coolum Road.”

Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie said the new ramps will help ease congestion by providing an additional access point to the Sunshine Motorway between Yandina-Coolum Road and Pacific Paradise.

“This vital new interchange will connect with Council’s planned upgrades to the local road network and help relieve congestion at the busy Yandina-Coolum Road interchange,” Mr Purdie said.

“Ultimately, we all want to see the duplication of the Sunshine Motorway from two to four lanes, and these new south-facing ramps form an important part of that plan.”