The long-awaited shortcut between Caloundra and the Bruce Highway that could slice up to 15 minutes off the drive to Brisbane has reached a major milestone.
Work on the $70 million Bells Creek Arterial Road, dubbed ‘The Arterial’, has taken a big step forward with the completion of two new bridges.
The fast-developing 11km link is now connected over the creek and the focus will turn to the southern connection for residents in Bells Creek.
Developer Stockland anticipates the new road, which will provide direct access to Aura, Australia’s largest master-planned community and home to 50,000 new residents, to be fully completed by June 2023 – just 11 short months away – subject to weather conditions.
Currently, all southbound drivers are forced to battle Caloundra Road, which has become increasingly congested.
But the new alternative route will slice through the heart of Aura and its city centre before popping out at the Roys Road exit on the Bruce Highway.
The Arterial is funded 50-50 between the State Government and Stockland.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey celebrated the latest milestone, which he said was made possible by another record road and transport plan.
“We’ve handed down our seventh record road and transport plan, totalling $29.7 billion in projects across the state over four years,” Mr Bailey said.
“This investment will help Queenslanders get home safer and sooner, while supporting 25,200 good jobs across a wide number of industries.
“It’s fantastic to see the benefits of that investment in action here at Bells Creek.”
Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said the new Arterial Road would meet the infrastructure needs of emerging communities in the rapidly growing Caloundra South area.
“Managing infrastructure capacity is vital to the success of new developments like Aura and we have worked closely with Stockland as they deliver this project,” Mr Hunt said.
“The construction of the two new bridges at Bells Creek signals that we are continuing to make progress on the major project.
“Once complete, locals will have a quicker, safer drive between Caloundra and the highway, especially those travelling to and from the Aura estate.”
Mr Hunt said work had also started on an overpass of Bells Creek Arterial Road to make crossing safer for people walking and riding to Baringa and Nirimba.
“The added active transport options being built as part of the project, including dedicated pedestrian and bike riding paths, are a real win for the community,” he said.
Stockland Project Director, Josh Sondergeld, acknowledged the important milestone for the Aura community.
“The Bells Creek Arterial Road is a significant piece of infrastructure to be delivered by Stockland,” Mr Sondergeld said.
“It will improve connectivity for the region and support the active lifestyle of the Aura community with dual-purpose bike and walking paths being central to the design,” he said.
“Construction of the Bells Creek Arterial Road is now around 60 per cent complete and we look forward to seeing the widespread benefits that it will provide once completed.”
The State Government committed $35 million to delivering the Bells Creek Arterial Road extension, with Stockland matching this contribution.
