Heavy Delays on Steve Irwin Way and Maroochydore Bus Detours This Friday

Sunshine Coast Commute Update: Friday, March 20, 2026

Good morning, Sunshine Coast commuters. As we head into the final workday of the week, several significant infrastructure projects and road maintenance schedules are impacting travel times across the region. Local authorities are advising motorists to allow for extra travel time, particularly in the Beerwah, Maroochydore, and Buderim areas.

Major Roadworks and Traffic Delays

• Steve Irwin Way (Beerburrum to Beerwah): Heavy delays are expected today due to active construction for the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade. Motorists should anticipate increased worker vehicle movements and changed traffic conditions between Endeavour Road and Roys Road. Active work is scheduled from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• Alexandra Headland: Road rehabilitation continues on Janet Street. This project is in its second week of work, and while local access is maintained, through traffic should expect minor stoppages and should follow the directions of traffic controllers on-site.
• Buderim Resealing Program: Maintenance crews are active on several residential arteries today. Expect delays and restricted parking on Cumberland Way, Burnett Lane, and throughout the Rainforest Sanctuary precinct as road resealing works continue.
• Yandina: Reduced lane capacity is in effect on Yandina Coolum Road. These works are expected to continue until March 26, causing intermittent bottlenecks during peak morning hours.

Public Transport and Bus Service Alerts

Commuters utilizing the Translink network should be aware of several ongoing detours and stop closures that may impact their morning and afternoon connections:

• Maroochydore Northbound: First Avenue remains closed northbound between Aerodrome Road and the Esplanade. Bus routes 5601, 5719, and 5728 are currently diverted via Aerodrome Road and Second Avenue. Passengers should expect slight delays due to the modified route.
• Bokarina Stop Closures: Two bus stops on Dune Vista Drive near Beachcomber Court remain closed for rehabilitation works. Routes 5631 and 5704 are diverting via Magnolia and Camelia Streets until the end of the month.
• Dicky Beach Detours: Cooroy Street is closed between Coochin Street and Beerburrum Street. Routes 5541, 5551, 5702, and 5717 are operating via a detour; passengers are redirected to alternative stops on Beerburrum Street.

Highway and Major Arteries

The Bruce Highway is currently flowing well, though congestion is building as usual near the Mooloolah River Interchange. Ongoing construction in this area as part of the regional connectivity upgrades means lanes may be narrower and speed limits are strictly enforced. Drivers are reminded to maintain a safe following distance, especially in high-volume zones between Steve Irwin Way and the Caloundra Road exit.

For those traveling through hinterland areas, keep an eye out for localized maintenance following the wet weather earlier this month. While major roads are clear, minor debris may still be present on rural shoulders. Stay safe on the roads this Friday.