The $4.5 million duplication of Tuckers Creek Bridge – the first stage of council’s Brisbane Road Upgrade Project – is now complete.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said the bridge duplication was the first stage in a project that will improve Brisbane Road, the southern gateway to Mooloolaba.
“This $4.5million bridge is the first step in an upgrade that will boost the local economy, reduce travel times and promote sustainable transport,” said Mayor Jamieson.
“Mooloolaba plays an important part in stimulating the Sunshine Coast’s tourism economy and this upgrade will make it easier for locals and tourists to visit the area.
“When the upgrade is complete it will create a real sense of arrival to the entrance Mooloolaba, while still respecting its village feel.
“The upgrade helps the Sunshine Coast move towards being Australia’s most sustainable region and it’s great to see the first stage of this project completed.”
Deputy Mayor, Division 4 Councillor Chris Thompson said the Brisbane Road Upgrade project will make it safer for Coast locals and visitors to access Mooloolaba.
“There is a significant amount of traffic that goes in and out of Mooloolaba – the upgrade project will make access safer for vehicles, buses, cyclists and pedestrians and hopefully the new cycle lanes and footpaths will encourage more people to ride and walk,” Cr Thompson said.
The upgrade will see the length of road between Culbara Street and Venning Street in Mooloolaba widened to four lanes in multiple stages over a number of years.
The Queensland Government has committed $1.1 million to the cycling facilities in this stage of the project, including 130m of on-road cycle lane and 130m of off-road pedestrian and cycle path across the new bridge, with a further 800m of path from River Esplanade to McKenzie Bridge to be completed next year.
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said she was pleased to see the funding helping provide such an important facility for the community and ensuring the safety of cyclists using Brisbane Road.
“Cycling plays an important role in tourism and by building key links such as this, we can encourage people to get out and enjoy what our state has to offer,” Ms Simpson said.
“The Sunshine Coast region is growing rapidly and providing this new facility will also allow people in the community to get to where they need to go safely and efficiently.”