A much-anticipated pedestrian bridge has opened, allowing residents to safely traverse a narrow stretch of hinterland road.
The new $6 million footbridge at Seib Road, Eumundi, runs parallel to the existing road bridge and includes almost 300m of pathway and boardwalk.
It means pedestrians and cyclists no longer have to share the narrow road bridge spanning the North Maroochy River, which previously afforded less than a metre of shoulder.
Local residents had called for a safer pedestrian solution in the area for many years.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) collaborated with Sunshine Coast Council in designing the project, with construction starting in January.
Council led construction on the Australian Government-funded the project, which means the bridge is now a council asset.
The highlight of the construction phase was when the 30.2-tonne bridge was lifted into place as a single component, requiring the overnight closure of the Eumundi-Noosa Road.
The large single span was designed with the intent of minimising impacts to the waterway during flood events. The absence of pylons reduces the interruption to the flow of water and therefore minimises the impact on upstream river levels.
TMR North Coast deputy regional director Justin Valks said last year that the bridge would provide “safety and accessibility benefits for the Eumundi community”.
“The local community, including school-aged children, will be able to use the new pedestrian bridge to walk safely across North Maroochy River on Eumundi-Noosa Road into the township of Eumundi,” he said.
The bridge was painted off site with a protective paint system that is designed to last many years before any maintenance painting of the structure is required.
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In addition to the pedestrian infrastructure, the project included safety improvements, including asphalt resurfacing and an improved right-turn facility for eastbound traffic turning into Seib Road.
A guardrail has been installed on either side of the road bridge spanning the river.
