A major road connecting the southern Sunshine Coast to the Bruce Highway has been labelled a welcome congestion buster, as it officially opens.
The ribbon was cut on Tuesday, September 19, for the $70m Bells Creek Arterial Road, which will link Caloundra Road to the Bruce Highway and unlock new housing developments in the region.
The project was funded by the state government and developer Stockland.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey and Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt officially opened the 8km extension of the road, completing the 11.9km connection.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the route was much needed.
“More than 50,000 drivers use Caloundra Road every day so this brand-new road will give those people a crucial second access to the Bruce Highway,” she said via a state government media release.
“The population of the Sunshine Coast is booming – one of the reasons our government put funding on the table to bring its construction forward from 2030.”
Mr Bailey said the connection would alleviate traffic woes.
“Bells Creek Arterial Road will bust congestion on the Sunshine Coast,” he said before highlighting the road’s associated features.
“As an avid bike rider, I’m excited to announce we’ve delivered improved active transport connections, including an overpass bridge from Baringa and Nirimba, helping more Queenslanders get outside and enjoy our great lifestyle.”
Mr Hunt said the new road would make travelling more efficient.
“This new road will cut travel times for the people of the southern Sunshine Coast, which is great news,” he said.
“On the back of this fantastic piece of infrastructure, it also means we can start on our new Aura emergency services precinct in the very near future.”
Stockland regional development manager Adrian Allen said the link would benefit those living within one of the country’s fastest-growing communities.
“The new road improves connectivity and community safety for Aura residents,” he said.
“The Bells Creek Arterial Road will significantly improve traffic flow in the area, with motorists expected to save several minutes on their journey around Aura using this second access point to the Bruce Highway.
“The southern city centre roundabout at Splendour Street provides direct access into Aura’s new Emergency Services Precinct where future police, fire and ambulance facilities will be located. The precinct is expected to open in mid-2024.
“The Bells Creek Arterial Road extension project has delivered significant economic benefits, including the creation of employment opportunities at Aura Business Park. More broadly, the project supports further investment in the region, with Sunshine Coast business Shadforth Civil Contractors appointed to build the road.
“To date, the road construction has created over 300 direct jobs and unlocked over $300 million in total economic investment across the Sunshine Coast and wider region.”
Stockland general manager Queensland development David Laner said the route was essential.
“The team is delighted to achieve this significant infrastructure and economic milestone for the Sunshine Coast and hinterland communities.
“More people are travelling between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, and this second highway access was needed. We look forward to being a trusted partner on future projects.”
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