A long-awaited Sunshine Coast landmark is nearing completion.
The $27 million cable-stay bridge across Lake Kawana at Birtinya is expected to open in June or July, weather permitting, according to a newly released construction update.
The 130-metre pedestrian and cycle bridge, adjacent to Venue 114 on Sportsmans Parade, has become one of the most recognisable pieces of infrastructure in the fast-growing precinct and will connect the eastern and western sides of the lake.
Stockland development manager Peta Byram said workers were now focused on final details.
“You can see the cable-stay bridge behind me with the team working on the finishing touches,” she said in the April 16 video update.
“Our aim is for a grand opening of the Walkable Waterfront Stage 2 and the cable-stay bridge in June/July, weather dependent.”
The bridge, which began construction in October 2024, forms part of the wider Birtinya development, which has transformed former greenfield land into a major residential, health and commercial hub centred around Lake Kawana.
It is expected to be a crucial link between a new train station and Sunshine Coast Stadium, which is set to host football matches at the 2032 Games.
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Division 3 councillor Tim Burns said residents were eager to see the crossing opened.
“I, along with local residents, are excited to see the cable-stay bridge and walkable waterfront opened mid year,” Cr Burns said.
“There’s no doubt we’d love it open yesterday because it will be a game changer, and we’re happy to wait for it.”
He said the bridge had already become an icon for the area and would provide an important connection between both sides of the lake.
“The bridge has become an icon for the area and will be an incredible link between the east and west banks of Lake Kawana,” he said.
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The latest update also showed progress on Walkable Waterfront Stage 2, including shared pathways, seating areas, retaining walls and landscaping works surrounding the bridge approaches.
Contractor Ben Ford, from Eureeka Landscaping, said sandstone seating, concrete footpaths and new public spaces were under construction.
Further works will include pathway links and native planting for cyclists and pedestrians.
Attention is also turning to the next stage of development around the lake.
Ms Byram said the remaining section of Stage 3 of the walkable waterfront would be delivered with the future Central Boulevard vehicle bridge, creating a continuous path around the lake.
She also flagged more news for the precinct, saying a refreshed vision for the proposed Birtinya town centre would be revealed soon.
The bridge opening will mark one of the most significant public infrastructure milestones in Birtinya since the establishment of the nearby health precinct, with thousands expected to use the crossing each week for recreation and commuting.
