Slow Down at Tanawha: Commuter Guide for Wednesday, February 11

Main Artery Updates: Bruce Highway and Sunshine Motorway

Sunshine Coast commuters are advised to exercise caution and adjust travel times this Wednesday morning, particularly when traversing the Bruce Highway at Tanawha. Following the significant bridge strike at the Ilkley Road overpass late last week, a mandatory speed reduction of 60km/h remains in effect for all southbound lanes. While the highway itself is open, the Ilkley Road overpass remains strictly closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic as engineers continue to assess structural damage. Commuters should expect minor merging delays as traffic adjusts to the lower speed limit through the Tanawha corridor.

On the Sunshine Motorway, traffic flow is generally steady, though heavy congestion is expected during the 7:30 am to 8:30 am peak around the Mooloolah River Interchange and the Kawana Way Link Road intersection. Ongoing site investigations for 'The Wave' public transport project are occurring near the motorway, but these activities are currently restricted to the road verges and are not expected to cause significant lane closures today.

Rail Upgrade Impacts: Steve Irwin Way and Surrounds

Work is ramping up on the Beerburrum to Nambour (B2N) Rail Upgrade, bringing several changes to the Glass House Mountains and Beerwah regions. Commuters using Steve Irwin Way should prepare for lane shifts and a sustained increase in heavy vehicle movements between Beerburrum and Beerwah. Speed limits have been reduced in active work zones to ensure the safety of construction crews.

• Moffatt Road: Remains closed to through traffic between Steve Irwin Way and Anderson Road.
• Glass House Mountains: The commuter car park south of Bruce Parade is permanently closed; motorists are encouraged to use alternative parking facilities near the station.
• Secondary Roads: Temporary weekday closures may affect Evans Road and Caves Lane, though local access is being maintained.

Local Roadworks: Maroochydore and Dicky Beach

Within our coastal townships, several long-term infrastructure projects continue to influence local traffic patterns. In Dicky Beach, the signalised intersection upgrade at the corner of Beerburrum Street and Cooroy Street is in its early stages. Expect road widening activities and temporary traffic control signals, which may cause short delays for those heading toward the beach or local schools.

In Maroochydore, the First Avenue streetscape upgrade continues to progress. Traffic is restricted between Aerodrome Road and The Esplanade, with some bus stop relocations in effect. Meanwhile, at Peachester, work on the new concrete footpath along Storrs Road may result in single-lane alternating traffic at various intervals throughout the day.

Public Transport: Services and Fares

Translink reports that all Sunshine Coast bus and rail services are operating on a normal Wednesday timetable. There are no major track closures scheduled for the Sunshine Coast line today. Commuters are reminded that the 50-cent flat fare remains in place across all Translink zones and modes, including Kinetic bus services and Queensland Rail services. For those heading to the Maroochydore city centre, please check the Translink app for the most recent bus stop locations due to the ongoing First Avenue construction.