Sunshine Coast traffic: Congestion building on Bruce Highway after Covid-19 lockdown announcement

Motorists heading towards the Sunshine Coast are facing lengthy delays despite only being allowed to travel within 10km of their homes due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

Traffic is building on the Bruce Highway heading towards the Sunshine Coast despite a plea from health officials for residents to stay home.

It was announced on Saturday that the Sunshine Coast and Noosa were among nine other LGAs ordered into a three-day lockdown from 4pm due to an outbreak of the Delta strain.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the strict restrictions meant people would only be able to travel within 10km of their homes for essential reasons.

Traffic is building on the Bruce Highway at Burpengary heading towards the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Queensland Traffic

Despite the lockdown about to kick in, Queensland Traffic cameras show congestion is building in both directions on the Bruce Highway.

Motorists face heavy delays in the Caboolture, Glass House Mountains, Burpengary and Deception Bay areas, particularly for those heading north.

Traffic is building on the Bruce Highway at Burpengary heading towards the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Queensland Traffic

Google Maps says a trip from Brisbane City to Maroochydore would currently take about an hour and 45 minutes, with up to 25-minute delays from Mango Hill to Caboolture.

A trip in the other direction is also expected to take about an hour and 45 minutes.

Mr Miles urged residents not to make the mad dash out of the lockdown areas and asked all Queenslanders to comply with the tough restrictions.

LOCKDOWN: Parts of South-East Queensland will enter a hard lockdown from 4pm today.

If you live in any of these 11 SEQ local government areas, there are 4 permitted reasons to leave your home: https://t.co/UztAwczJJK

These restrictions are hard, but necessary to keep Qld safe. pic.twitter.com/MLmBxfVZz9

— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) July 31, 2021

“We would urge anyone in those 11 LGAs to go home and stay at home if you can,” he said.

“If you are thinking about going out, please stay home if you can.

“We must go hard and go early.”

The lockdown announcement also triggered Sunshine Coast residents to panic buy, causing lengthy delays and long lines on local roads.