Planning has identified a grade-separated upgrade solution to manage future traffic demands in the longer term and a lower cost interim traffic signal upgrade, which would reduce congestion and improve travel times in the shorter term.

The traffic signal upgrade (shorter term option) is designed to be compatible with, and form a part of, the longer-term grade-separated north–south overpass solution. This means if traffic signals are constructed first, this new infrastructure will make up part of one of the ramps onto Caloundra Road when it is constructed.

During the first phase of consultation in 2021, most people told us they would like to see the Stage 2 (longer term) solution constructed as the preferred outcome. This feedback will be included in the business case, which helps inform funding decisions. As this project will compete with other projects across the state for funding, it is important TMR includes the Stage 1 solution in the business case to allow for a shorter-term improvement to this increasingly busy intersection should funding not yet be available for the Stage 2 solution.

Traffic signals will be integrated with nearby intersections including the diverging diamond interchange at the Bruce Highway, to minimise traffic congestion and allow for efficient travel through the new signalised intersection. Traffic signals across the TMR road network are integrated and managed operationally across the region.

The connection between Kawana Way Link Road and Bells Creek Arterial Road forms part of the future north–south, intra-regional motorway connection, which also includes the new Kawana Motorway and Mooloolah River Interchange at the Sunshine Motorway northwards. The new motorway will extend southwards along Bells Creek Arterial Road to the Bruce Highway at Roys Road interchange. As a motorway standard connection, this road will be for high-speed, inter-regional traffic and will best function without traffic signals.

The comments provided will be considered by TMR when finalising the business case for this project, which is planned for approval in mid-2023. Detailed design and construction will be subject to future funding availability in consideration of competing statewide priorities.

The project will form part of a new north–south, intra-regional motorway-standard connection—Sunshine Motorway, through the new Mooloolah River Interchange, onto the future Kawana Motorway, Kawana Way Link Road and Bells Creek Arterial Road to the Bruce Highway at Roys Road interchange.