Major bridge works have sparked frustration among commuters and concerns from businesses, with a local council now reviewing options to reduce the impact on the community.
The Doonella Bridge upgrade began during the school holidays, with the westbound lane closed from July 6 until early December as contractors’ complete works on the 68-year-old structure.
The closure means motorists can still travel by car from Tewantin into Noosaville, but those travelling back from Noosaville to Tewantin must detour via Goodchap Street, Eumundi Noosa Road and Beckmans Road. The detour adds almost 9km to the trip.
Community members have taken to the Noosa Council and Noosa Community Notice Board Facebook pages to share their experiences with the traffic changes.
“Absolute chaos today (Tuesday). Had to cancel my appointment as was stuck in traffic. Yes, I allowed double the time. Well done council,” Belinda Griffiths said.
“A normal 8 minute drive from work to my home took me over 50 minutes! Traffic model failed successfully. And this is what it will be for the next 6 months, What happens when schools go back next week? Epic fail Noosa Council!,” Jayme Hallam added.
“It took me an hour to go from the Gibson Road roundabout to Beckmans Road this morning. I’m wondering if temporary traffic lights were installed at the roundabouts along Eumundi Noosa Road, if it would give everyone a fair go at getting through that part of Noosaville,” Peter Terrill said.
“What a total mess it’s created. Work needs to stop until a better plan is in place. You can’t seriously expect people to work around this. May as well shut the schools as well. It’s going to be mayhem,” Nicholas Rice said.
Noosa Council held an information session on Tuesday night, with an update from the construction company and an opportunity for community members to ask questions about the ongoing works.
Councillor Amelia Lorentson said council heard from Tewantin and Noosa Marina business owners about the impacts of the one-way, eastbound-only bridge arrangement.
“We heard the raw truth about small business – the cost of keeping doors open, staff being stood down, holidays sacrificed, and the toll these decisions take on real people,” she said.
Ms Lorentson said businesses were frustrated they were not consulted before the decision was made and had suggested a range of possible solutions.
“They asked for solutions: reversing the direction to westbound, investigating a Bailey bridge or night works, removing parking restrictions, a resilience program, a dedicated liaison officer, pausing works until a support plan is in place, better signage, shuttle buses, and more,” she said.
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She said council was now reviewing options and would communicate any decisions directly with business owners.
“Council has heard the community’s concerns loud and clear,” Ms Lorentson said.
“The bridge work needs to happen – that’s not in question. But how we manage the disruption is something we need to get right, and residents and local businesses need to come first.
“To everyone who showed up last night – thank you for supporting our community, employing our kids, and standing up for one another. It’s our turn to support you.”
