Delays on Steve Irwin Way and Heavy Coastal Traffic for Tuesday Commute

Morning Commute Overview for Tuesday, February 17

Sunshine Coast motorists should prepare for a mix of conditions this morning. While the major arteries between Brisbane and the Coast are currently benefiting from recent expansions, localized infrastructure projects and peak-hour volume are expected to impact travel times across the region. Local commuters are advised to allow an extra 10 to 15 minutes for their journeys, particularly those traveling through the southern hinterland and coastal bottlenecks.

Major Disruptions: Steve Irwin Way

The most significant impact today is centered on Steve Irwin Way between Beerburrum and Beerwah. As part of the ongoing Stage 1 Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade, motorists can expect changed traffic conditions and a high volume of worker vehicle movements. Specific alerts for this Tuesday morning indicate that delays are expected between Endeavour Road and Roys Road. Traffic controllers will be on-site to manage heavy machinery entering and exiting the rail corridor. While some works are scheduled to conclude their current phase by mid-morning, the presence of construction crews remains a factor for the early peak.

Bruce Highway and Coastal Arteries

Traffic on the Bruce Highway remains steady following the completion of the six-lane expansion between Caboolture and Steve Irwin Way. However, the usual Tuesday morning merge at the Gateway Motorway and the North Lakes interchange continues to be a point of congestion for those heading southbound toward Brisbane. Locally, Nicklin Way is seeing its typical heavy volume through Kawana and Currimundi. Motorists are also advised to be cautious on Eumundi Noosa Road near Verrierdale, where council maintenance and road resealing projects have been active, potentially resulting in reduced speed limits and lane closures.

Public Transport and Translink Alerts

The Sunshine Coast Rail Line is operating on a regular weekday timetable today. While there are major track closures planned for the inner-city lines later this month starting February 23, services today are running through to Central and Roma Street without scheduled disruptions. Commuters using local bus services should note that the 50-cent fare initiative remains in place, providing a cost-effective alternative for those looking to avoid coastal road congestion. Passengers are encouraged to check their specific routes for minor timing adjustments due to the works near Beerburrum station.

Commuter Advice

• Avoid the Rush: Peak congestion is expected to hit its height between 7:15 am and 8:30 am. If possible, aim to pass through the Kawana and Maroochydore CBD sectors before 7:00 am.
• Southern Hinterland: Use the Bruce Highway as an alternative to Steve Irwin Way if traveling between the Glass House Mountains and Landsborough to avoid construction zones.
• Noosa Area: Expect minor delays on Hilton Terrace and around the Eumundi-Noosa Road intersection during school drop-off hours.