A new stretch of road is expected to help reduce travel time for motorists in a busy neighbourhood.
Sunshine Coast Council is progressing plans for a 700m extension of Goshawk Boulevard – connecting Stringybark Road to Power Road in Buderim.
The works should allow locals to avoid traffic bottlenecks on the eastern end of Sippy Downs Drive and at the roundabout of Dixon and Ballinger roads and Karawatha Drive.
Councillor Ted Hungerford said it would link neighbourhoods north of the Sippy Downs town centre.
“At present, residents have to travel through the town centre which increases trip times, discourages walking and riding and adds to congestion,” he said.
“Extending Goshawk Boulevard will help calm traffic in this busy area, give residents more options for walking and riding, and provide an essential secondary access to the Atrium Development.
“This two-lane road will also reduce congestion along adjacent streets.
“No one wants to spend their time in traffic. That’s one of the reasons many residents moved from big cities, to escape traffic jams.”
But it’s not known when it could be constructed or how much it could cost. Timeframes for the build are subject to future budget allocations.
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Councillor Christian Dickson said the inclusion of a pedestrian path, crossings and a two-way riding path separated from the road will give locals the option to safely walk or ride to nearby shops and gain access to the new Stringybark Road pedestrian and cycling bridge.
“Works would also include landscaping to create a cooler, greener thoroughfare,” he said.
“Council is determined to alleviate transit hotspots by providing alternative transport solutions that are easily accessible for walking and riding, reducing our reliance on cars, particularly for shorter journeys around your neighbourhood.
“This aligns with Council’s Corporate Plan 2025-2030, which includes the goal of building a strong, healthy and active community that protects our quality of life here on the Coast.”
Councillor Winston Johnston said planning for the extension had been in place since the late 1990s.
“In 2003, Council purchased land to provide two important outcomes for the community, an environmental reserve and a transport corridor,” Cr Johnston said.
“Council completed a planning study on the connection of Stringybark Road to Power Road in 2007, taking into account environmental, social and economic issues.
“Community consultation was then undertaken and the preferred alignment for the transport corridor identified, with Council adopting the Goshawk Boulevard extension at its Ordinary Meeting of September 2007.”
“This chosen alignment reduces the impact on specific environmentally valuable trees and reduces the impact of the future road on the surrounding environment.”
Council is now seeking feedback on the concept design, via Council’s Have your Say website, until November 28. Community pop-ups will be held at Chancellor Park Marketplace on November 13 from 3pm to 6pm and on November 22 from 11am until 2pm.
