Sunshine Motorway (Mooloolaba - Peregian), West Coolum Road, upgrade interchange
The Queensland Government is planning two new south-facing motorway ramps at West Coolum Road, Mount Coolum as part of a broader staged approach to upgrading the Sunshine Motorway.
These ramps will improve connectivity and traffic flow, providing a new access point to the motorway between Yandina-Coolum Road and Pacific Paradise.
By providing an alternative route for motorists, the project is set to reduce traffic congestion on key local roads, including David Low Way and School Road/Yandina-Coolum Road intersection.
A concept layout has been developed to inform detailed design.
Benefits
- Improves network efficiency
- Better road access
- Reduces travel time
Key features
- Exit ramp onto 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.
Funding
This project is a planned investment. The Queensland Government has allocated funding towards planning for future south-facing ramps.
Investment ID: 3587043
Current status
Planning phase to be completed by mid-2026 and detailed design commenced in May 2026.
The project requires a referral under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) to assess potential impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance. The EPBC Act referral was submitted on 8 May 2026 to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The EPBC referral process takes time and needs to be completed before construction begins.
Consultation
Community engagement was conducted in 2021 and 2023, and feedback helped shape the concept layout for the south-facing motorway ramps.
Further engagement was undertaken in April and May 2026 welcoming feedback on the concept layout to inform future project phases.
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Collaboration with Sunshine Coast Council
The Queensland Government is working with Sunshine Coast Council (Council) to consider local network impacts and to align the delivery of the department-led West Coolum Road interchange upgrade with Council-led projects which propose future connections of Suncoast Beach Drive and South Coolum Road to West Coolum Road. This will improve connection to the local road network and enhance motorway access for the seaside communities of Coolum Beach, Mount Coolum, Yaroomba and Marcoola.
Project map
Concept layout
