Residents are being urged to have their say on the future of some of the Sunshine Coast’s well-known roads, including an iconic bridge.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads is seeking feedback on key state-controlled roads linking Maroochydore to Peregian.
The route includes prominent stretches like Beach Road, Duporth Avenue, Bradman Avenue, David Low Way, David Low Bridge and Coolum Esplanade.
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Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the community’s voice would play an important role in long-term plans for the roads.
“This coastal route is used by over 15,000 vehicles a day and provides access to Bli Bli, Marcoola, Coolum and Peregian,” he said via a press release.
“The Sunshine Coast’s transport network has changed a lot since these roads were built in the 1960s, and we want to make sure future projects meet the needs of local residents.”
The route boasts several iconic sections, including the David Low Bridge at Bli Bli.
It was built in 1959 as an important link to the North Shore.
The bridge included a cane tramway and serviced the Nambour sugar mill, until the mill closed in 2003.
The 165m structure is renowned for its age, narrow width and outlook over the Maroochy River.
It’s now a busy thoroughfare on the doorstep of Bli Bli, a growing and developing town of more than 10,000 people.
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The manager of Bli Bli Riverside Park, Janet Warman, told Sunshine Coast News that parts of the bridge required upgrading or replacing.
“It needs something done to it, obviously,” she said. “I walk across it every day with my dog and the railings next to the footpath are unsafe.
“If a car was to come off the road a little bit, what is there is not going to save anybody.
“And the railing on the other side of the bridge is loose. But no-one has told me they hate driving across the bridge.”
She also said the bridge was “not nice looking – but it’s in a nice spot.”
Several suggestions have already been made to TMR and they have a common theme – the bridge is too narrow and there is traffic congestion.
They urged to make the bridge wider and/or have four lanes (two each way). There were also calls to include passing lanes on the western side of the bridge and to better accommodate cyclists, walkers and anglers on the bridge.
Mr Bailey said any projects would look to improve capacity and safety during the next 20 years.
“We’re looking ahead to the future and calling on the community to help guide possible future planning investment over the decades to come,” he said.
“I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to provide feedback on what is important to you and your experiences along the route.”
Feedback and information can be provided via short surveys and an interactive map, until October 30, via Maroochydore-Noosa Road Link.
At this stage, funding is for planning studies only.
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