A busy Sunshine Coast road will be reduced from two northbound lanes to one as part of pedestrian safety improvements prompted by a serious crash involving a school-aged child.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads has completed the design for upgrades to David Low Way at Bli Bli, with construction expected to start in mid-November.
The northbound section between Princess Drive and a new pedestrian refuge near Sunshine Castle will change to a single lane.
TMR said the change would provide clearer sightlines between motorists and pedestrians.
Traffic modelling for the new road layout indicates queues may increase slightly at times.
However, TMR said this was not expected to result in a meaningful increase in the time motorists took to travel through the nearby roundabout and section of road, even during peak periods.
The refuge will allow pedestrians to cross the road in two stages and include accessibility ramps and improved lighting.
Designs also show modified line marking, including a bike lane, as part of the changes along the northbound side of the road.
TMR said the project followed a serious pedestrian crash involving a school-aged child, as well as community calls for improved pedestrian safety and access around the growing Bli Bli area and nearby retail precinct.
Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie said the community had been seeking improvements at the location.
“The local growing Bli Bli community has been calling for safer pedestrian access at this location after a high school student was struck by a car in 2023 after getting off the bus and I’m pleased to see this delivered,” Mr Purdie said.
Mr Purdie said he had promised, before the previous state election, to deliver a safer crossing on David Low Way.
“The new pedestrian refuge near Sunshine Castle will provide a safer and more accessible crossing for pedestrians, bike riders and users of mobility devices to cross David Low Way,” he said.
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Construction is expected to take up to six weeks, weather and construction conditions permitting.
Works will generally be carried out from Sunday to Thursday between 6pm and 6am, with reduced speed limits, construction signage and traffic control in place.
Pedestrian and business access, including access to the Sunshine Castle bus stop, is expected to be maintained through temporary arrangements where required. Nearby residents may experience construction-related noise, vibration, lighting and dust.
