Planning for a cycleway between two tourist hubs is progressing to the detailed design phase.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads is forging ahead with plans for Stage 6 of the Mooloolaba to Maroochydore (M2M) cycleway.
Detailed design is expected to be completed early next year, with construction of Stage 6 pending completion of the plan and final cost estimates.
Stage 6 includes a 1.2km stretch between Pacific Terrace at Alexandra Headland and Sixth Avenue at Maroochydore.
It will be a five-metre wide, off-road shared path that follows the existing coastal path and includes provisions for pedestrians, bike riders, scooters and other mobility devices.
The overall M2M cycleway is a 6km bike path to be delivered in seven stages by Sunshine Coast Council and the state government.
The TMR project website says Stage 6 will include a new 26 space off-street beachside car park will be included near the intersection of Alexandra Parade and Sixth Avenue, Maroochydore, including parking for motorbikes and people with a disability.
A reduced speed limit of 50km/h will be applied to Alexandra Parade.
The right-turn option into Maroubra Street from Alexandra Parade will be removed, and the bus stop north of Okinja Road will be relocated to the south.
Additional on-street parking near the Alexandra Headland Surf Lifesaving Club will be provided by rearranging existing parking spaces.
“The M2M cycleway project will provide a safe off-road connection for all active transport users from the Sunshine Motorway through Mooloolaba to the new Maroochydore City Centre in Maroochydore,” TMR acting North Coast regional director Trevor Land said.
“TMR has sought genuine feedback from the local community on Stage 6 of the cycleway proposal as we understand this is a highly valued iconic open space for the Sunshine Coast community.
“Through extensive consultation with the local community conducted in 2022, the community had the opportunity to select their preferred options for individual sections of Stage 6 as well as providing feedback relating to other aspects of the proposal.
“The community-led final planning layout is now being further refined as part of the detailed design phase.”
In September last year, Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson accused the state government of withdrawing more than $5 million for construction funds for Stage 6.
Related story: Anger over direction of proposed coastal bike path
It came after Stage 6 underwent a redesign when the original plan was rejected by the community, with protesters and a petition calling for significant changes.
The project website says the completed M2M cycleway will be a 6km path providing a safe off-road connection for all active transport users.
It is being delivered by TMR and council over seven stages as funding becomes available. The state government has allocated $2.05 million to Stage 6.
Stage 2, from Amarina Avenue to Foote Street at Mooloolaba, was completed by council between 2012 and 2018 as part of the Minyama to Mooloolaba cycleway project.
The remaining sections are listed as ‘future stages’.
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