The Queensland Government is planning 2 new south-facing motorway ramps at West Coolum Road, Mount Coolum, as part of a staged approach to upgrading the Sunshine Motorway.

The new ramps will provide another access point to the motorway between Yandina-Coolum Road and Pacific Paradise, to help manage traffic demand and support future growth in the area.

This project connects with Sunshine Coast Council-led projects which propose future connections of Suncoast Beach Drive and South Coolum Road to West Coolum Road. Together these projects will ensure a safe and efficient connection to the local road network and improve access to the Sunshine Motorway for nearby communities, including:

• Coolum Beach
• Mount Coolum
• Yaroomba
• Marcoola.

The project is expected to reduce traffic congestion on key local roads, including David Low Way and School Road/Yandina-Coolum Road intersection, by providing an alternative route for motorists.

Community feedback from engagement undertaken in 2021 and 2023 on the Sunshine Motorway (Mooloolaba - Peregian), David Low Way to Yandina–Coolum Road, duplication project helped shape this concept layout.

The concept layout for the south-facing ramps at West Coolum Road is shown below and will guide the detailed design phase.

Key features

• an exit ramp for motorists exiting the Sunshine Motorway on to West Coolum Road
• widening to provide dedicated left and right turn lanes at the intersection with West Coolum Road
• an acceleration lane for southbound motorists entering the motorway
• wayfinding signage to provide advance notice to motorists
• a raised traffic island on West Coolum Road east of the overpass to improve wayfinding and separate traffic
• safety features including new lighting and a raised traffic median to separate opposing traffic on the motorway.