Heavy Congestion Expected Near Maroochydore and Rail Closures Start Today

Weekend Traffic and Commute Update: Saturday, 28 February 2026

Sunshine Coast residents and visitors are advised to prepare for significant delays and changed traffic conditions across the region today. A combination of major sporting events, community festivals, and essential infrastructure works is expected to impact travel times, particularly around Maroochydore, Palmview, and the Sunshine Motorway.

Major Event Impact: Maroochydore and Palmview

The 2026 Queensland Surf Life Saving Championships are currently in full swing at Maroochydore Beach. Today marks the final day of the Masters competition, which is expected to draw substantial crowds and support crews to the central coast. Motorists should anticipate heavy congestion along the following routes:

• Alexandra Parade and Sixth Avenue: Significant delays are expected throughout the day. Parking in the immediate vicinity of Maroochydore Beach and Alexandra Headland is extremely limited.
• Maroochydore Road: Increased traffic flow is likely as visitors arrive from the Bruce Highway and Sunshine Motorway.

In Palmview, the Aussie World Lantern Festival is scheduled for this evening to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Commuters using the Bruce Highway should stay alert for increased volume and potential slowing near the Frizzo Road exit (Exit 190) from mid-afternoon. Local traffic around the Aussie World precinct will likely face delays through to late evening.

Infrastructure Projects and Lane Closures

Early works for the Mooloolah River Interchange (MRI) Upgrade are actively progressing. Motorists traveling on the Sunshine Motorway near the Sippy Downs and Mountain Creek interchanges should watch for reduced speed limits and construction signage. Key impacts include:

• Sunshine Motorway: Potential for temporary lane closures and redirections as geotechnical investigations and site clearing continue.
• Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba: The temporary public car park on Brisbane Road near Incana Court is now permanently closed to facilitate construction activities. Motorists are encouraged to use the PARKnGO facilities in Mooloolaba or Maroochydore.
• Active Transport: Some pedestrian and cycle paths near the interchange may have temporary redirections in place.

Public Transport: Weekend Rail Closures

Translink has confirmed major weekend track closures starting today, Saturday, 28 February. While local bus services remain operational, rail passengers planning to travel toward Brisbane will face significant disruptions:

• Inner City and Southern Lines: Track work is being conducted between Bowen Hills and Banoon stations. Rail replacement buses will be in operation for these sections.
• Shorncliffe Line: Testing for new signalling systems means railbuses will replace all train services between Northgate and Shorncliffe stations.
• Sunshine Coast Line: While trains continue to run on the northern end of the line, passengers connecting to Brisbane should allow at least 60 minutes of extra travel time for bus transfers.

Commuters are encouraged to check the Translink journey planner for the most up-to-date replacement bus timetables before departing.