Construction has started on a transport upgrade that will provide another route into a town centre and ease pressure on a congested main road.
Work is underway on the Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade, which is a key project under the state government’s Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan.
The CTCU will provide an alternative way into the CBD, easing the burden on Caloundra Road.
Works have started on the Omrah Avenue to Arthur Street section and the Nicklin Way and Third Avenue extension.
The state government is also progressing design and federal environmental approvals for an upgrade of the Caloundra Road, Kawana Way Link Road and Bells Creek Arterial Road intersection.
Premier David Crisafulli said the Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan, jointly funded by the state government and Sunshine Coast Council, supported the region’s growing population and future transport needs.
“We are delivering a plan to futureproof Caloundra Road for the growing Caloundra community,” he said.
“This is the infrastructure needed to ease congestion now and into the future, getting you home sooner and safer.”
Member for Caloundra Kendall Hatcher said locals would welcome seeing the CTCU move into construction.
“Anyone who lives in Caloundra knows congestion has become one of the biggest issues facing our community,” she said.
“People are tired of sitting in traffic and they want practical solutions. That’s exactly what the Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan is all about.
“This upgrade will create another way into the CBD, ease pressure on busy intersections and help families, commuters, and visitors get home sooner and safer.
“CTCU is the first piece of the puzzle, which will make everyday trips faster and safer, and help locals get to school, work and home with less time stuck in traffic.”
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Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the project would provide lasting benefits for the community while supporting local jobs.
“This is a significant moment for Caloundra and for anyone who travels here because it provides a brand new transport connection which will help meet the needs of our growing community for many years to come,” she said.
“It’s fantastic to see a project of this scale not only improving our roads but also supporting around 360 jobs during delivery. That’s a win for local families, local businesses and the wider Caloundra economy.
“It’s about building a transport network that keeps people moving safely and efficiently, supporting council’s vision for a connected, liveable and thriving Sunshine Coast.”
Councillor Terry Landsberg said the project had been a long-standing priority for locals.
“The Caloundra community has been advocating for improved transport connections for many years and it’s exciting to see this long-planned project moving into delivery,” he said.
“For local residents, the benefits will be felt across the network, from reduced pressure on key intersections to better access into the CBD and coastal suburbs.”
