The Pacific Paradise Interchange and Bypass in Queensland, Australia, is now open.

The new bypass is expected to divert more than 10,000 vehicles in one of Australia’s fastest growing regions.

Queensland Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace, said the project is the last leg of the $217.5m Sunshine Motorway upgrade, just north of Brisbane, and has doubled the capacity of the Sunshine Motorway and improved safety for road users.

The improvements include a new signaled intersection connecting the bypass with Runway Drive and David Low Way, a new interchange on the Sunshine Motorway, north of David Low Way; a northern bypass of Pacific Paradise, locally known as North Shore Connection Road; removal of the U-turn facility at the old Toll Plaza and duplication of a 2km section of motorway from David Low Way to the new Pacific Paradise interchange.

The highway consists of median separated carriageways and interchange improvements, thereby enhancing the safety of road-users.

“Planning is currently underway for a future upgrade on the north of Pacific Paradise and is expected to be finished later this year,” Wallace said.