A “missing link” that connects two suburbs over one of the region’s busiest roads is now complete.
The three-metre-wide bridge provides safe passage over the Sunshine Motorway for pedestrians travelling between Buderim and Sippy Downs.
The $14 million Stringybark Road pedestrian and cycle bridge features a shared path for pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders, and replaces a narrow roadside pathway on the existing vehicle bridge.
Sunshine Coast Division 6 Councillor Christian Dickson said he was pleased to see the project finished after work began in 2024.
“I am very proud to finally see this project delivered as I have been working with council to make this happen since 2016,” Cr Dickson said.
“The Stringybark Road pedestrian and cycle bridge really boosts safety and improved connectivity between Buderim and Sippy Downs.
“I know many parents have already said they will finally be able to send their kids to school and not worry about that narrow old bitumen pathway which was so close to the road.
“There are three schools, a university and health hub in the vicinity which are all major destinations for active transport users, so it’s great to provide a facility that delivers on the active transport demand.
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“Residents have been continually asking for this link to occur and given the growth of new homes and services in the precinct, the new link just makes sense.”
Division 7 Councillor Ted Hungerford thanked the community and road users for their ongoing patience during the “complex” project.
“In addition to the new pedestrian and cycle bridge, the pathway on the existing Stringybark Road vehicle bridge has been removed and the bridge reconfigured to provide on-road cycle lanes on both sides,” Cr Hungerford said.
“The separation of both bridges ensures all users can cross over the motorway safely, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to adopt our ThinkChange active transport initiative.
“This was quite a complex project building a new bridge adjacent to an existing bridge and over the Sunshine Motorway.
“We have also had significant and persistent wet weather at the start of 2024 and now this year which has hampered progress at times.
“I encourage residents to reduce your footprint and improve your health and wellbeing by walking or riding along the new bridge to work or school.’’
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the new bridge was a welcome addition and had been a long time coming for residents.
“I know our community has waited quite a while for this bridge, so it’s great news they now have a safer way to cross over the Sunshine Motorway,” Minister Mickelberg said.
“I am glad our community finally has better access to walk or ride to work, school, the shops and other services in their area.”
The project was supported by the Queensland Government’s Cycle Network Local Government Grants program and Sunshine Coast Council.
