TRAFFIC chaos has already begun on the Sunshine Coast with more than 30km of congestion leading to major delays.

A broken-down car at Palmview shut the left lane earlier this morning, causing long delays for those trying to make an early getaway.

The RACQ has urged patience, with conditions set to worsen throughout the day.

"If it's already congested, or there's a crash, please try to be patient. When motorists become frustrated and make bad decisions it can often lead to another crash and extend delays," spokeswoman Renee Smith said.

The heaviest congestion is located on the stretch between Forest Glen and Tanawha, but congestion is rapidly building south of Palmview.

Motorists are also experiencing extensive delays south of Beerburrum.

HOW TO AVOID THE COAST'S MOST CONGESTED AREAS

Bruce Highway, Sunshine Coast

Today has to be one of the worst days on the Bruce as drivers make their way home on the last day of school holidays.

The Palmview, Tanawha and Forest Glen stretches are notorious crash zones, but prangs around Caloundra and Meridan Plains can also cause hefty delays.

Unfortunately unless you go through the hinterland and then get back onto the highway, there's no way to avoid the mayhem. You're best off getting on the road before light or waiting until tonight when all the chaos dies down.

Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba

Traffic flow in and out of Mooloolaba can be frustratingly slow at this time of year, but you don't have to sacrifice a day at the beach.

If you're heading to Mooloolaba, head along Alexandra Pde. A sneaky detour through Amarina Ave to Goonawarra Drive will land you straight at The Wharf without going through nightmare traffic.

Plaza Pde, Maroochydore

A convenient route from the heart of Maroochydore towards the Sunshine Motorway is often a go-slow zone as traffic backs up along Plaza Pde.

But now that extra carparking has opened at the shopping centre, you can find a much smoother route along Evans St, which opens up to Maroochydore Rd for quicker access to the Big Top Shopping Centre.

Caloundra Rd, Caloundra

The Caloundra Rd and Nicklin Way roundabout is bad on a normal day, but with everyone heading to the beach today it's expected to be a nightmare.

If you're heading into town go the scenic route through Dicky and Moffat beach and you'll be surprised at how much faster it is.

Hastings St, Noosa

Best advice? Take a pushbike and park at Noosa Pde to avoid the Hastings St mayhem. Failing that, you can park at the Tewantin Marina and catch a ferry.

A new park-and-ride Loop Bus runs until today every 15 minutes between Hastings St, Noosa Junction and Weyba Rd, Noosaville.