Major Delays and Motorway Closures for Mooloolaba Triathlon

Significant Traffic Disruptions for Triathlon Sunday

Commuters and residents across the Sunshine Coast should prepare for major travel disruptions today, Sunday, March 15, 2026. The 34th annual Mooloolaba Triathlon is in full swing, necessitating extensive road closures and the complete shutdown of key sections of the Sunshine Motorway. Authorities are urging motorists to plan their journeys well in advance and expect significant delays, particularly around the Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headland precincts.

Major Road Closures: Sunshine Motorway and Local Arteries

The most significant impact on regional traffic is the closure of the Sunshine Motorway. From 5:00 am until midday, the motorway is closed in both directions between Pacific Paradise and the Coolum/Yandina roundabout. Additionally, the southbound lanes from Airport Drive to Buderim Avenue are strictly off-limits to all vehicles during this period. Local police and traffic controllers are on-site to manage detours, but long delays are already being reported on David Low Way through Bli Bli and Pacific Paradise as drivers seek alternative routes.

In Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headland, the following local roads are closed to facilitate the event:

• Parkyn Parade: Closed between River Esplanade and Mooloolaba Beach Holiday Park until 1:15 pm.
• Brisbane Road: Closed between Walan Street and Mooloolaba Esplanade until 1:15 pm.
• Mooloolaba Esplanade: Closed between River Esplanade and Buderim Avenue until 2:45 pm.
• Buderim Avenue: Closed between Mooloolaba Esplanade and the Sunshine Motorway until 12:15 pm.
• Alexandra Parade: Closed between Buderim Avenue and Mayfield Street until 1:45 pm.

New and Ongoing Roadworks

While the triathlon is the primary cause of today's congestion, several new infrastructure projects are also commencing this morning. Road resealing works have begun on Cumberland Way in Buderim; motorists should expect temporary lane closures and speed restrictions in the area for the next two weeks. Furthermore, the 11-week upgrade of the Beerburrum Street and Cooroy Street intersection starts today. This project, funded by the Black Spot Program, will eventually deliver new traffic signals and pedestrian crossings but will cause minor localized delays during the initial construction phase.

Public Transport and Rail Updates

Translink has confirmed that several bus stops in the Mooloolaba area are closed today due to the triathlon. Passengers should check the MyTranslink app for the nearest temporary boarding points. While the Sunshine Coast rail line is currently operating on a normal Sunday schedule, commuters should be aware that a major weekday track closure is scheduled to begin tomorrow, Monday, March 16, which will affect services between Landsborough and Caboolture. If you are heading into the city today, allow an extra 20 to 30 minutes for your journey to account for the increased pressure on the secondary road network.