Early planning has started for a new road that is expected to improve traffic flow in a congested Sunshine Coast town.
The state government has started investigating an estimated 2.7km road between Caloundra West and Golden Beach.
The route, which would cut through currently undeveloped land, is expected to ease traffic woes at Caloundra by taking vehicles off bustling Caloundra Road.
The idea was previously touted as part of long-term growth planning, and now a Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesperson has confirmed the project has essentially begun.
“Early planning is underway to investigate a future road from Aura Boulevard to Pelican Waters Boulevard as part of the Queensland Government’s Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan,” they said.
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“This aims to improve access into Caloundra and ease congestion on Caloundra Road. By investing in these upgrades, the Queensland Government is ensuring Caloundra remains a highly liveable and accessible destination.”
But details, including costs, are scarce at this stage.
“The design and timeframes for construction of a future connection will be better understood as planning progresses,” the spokesperson said.
“TMR will keep the community updated as this project progresses.”
It’s unclear exactly what route the road could take but an initial map shows the western end of the road could join Aura Boulevard, a few hundred metres east of Baringa Tavern, while the eastern end of the road could connect with Pelican Waters Boulevard near the roundabout with Burke Street.
The route appears to go through a large vegetation area south of Caloundra Airport. Environment and conservation reserves are in the vicinity, as is Lamerough Creek.
That’s sparked some concerns from the Sunshine Coast Environment Council, but TMR has stated that it takes environmental matters seriously and a community consultation period will be held.
The new road initiative is part of the Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan, which encompasses five projects designed to improve traffic flow and safety in and around the town. The projects are expected to address key congestion points, enhance road capacity and improve travel times for residents and visitors.
Caloundra MP Kendall Morton said traffic congestion was “the single biggest issue for the electorate”.
“The Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan will benefit every single person that lives in Caloundra. We’re all sick of sitting on Caloundra Road, trying to get kids to school (and) trying to get to work,” she said.
“We simply can’t get around: it’s affecting our liveability, and any road project that we deliver will have a significant benefit to this community.”
