Plans for a new bridge across the Maroochy River at Bli Bli have taken a step forward, with the state government releasing a proposed design for the structure.
The design includes a new bridge with one lane of traffic in each direction plus road shoulders and active transport facilities, to be built to the north of the existing bridge, which was constructed in 1959.
A project update from the Department of Transport and Main Roads said the design included the ability to convert the bridge to four lanes should traffic demands require it in the future.
It said timeframes for further planning, design and construction of the new bridge had not yet been determined.
A TMR spokesperson said the release of the design marked a significant step in planning for project.
“On November 24, the Queensland Government released the proposed planning layout for the future upgrade of the Bli Bli bridge on David Low Way,” they said.
“A new bridge is planned to the north of the existing one to keep traffic moving during construction.
“The current bridge will be removed once the new bridge is operational.”
The next step in the project is developing a business case but no timelines have been confirmed.
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It is understood construction of the bridge, once underway, is expected to take multiple years and that TMR will explore other opportunities to reduce congestion through Bli Bli in future phases. Traffic management details will be revealed closer to construction.
The jetty next to the existing bridge will be removed to make way for the new bridge, which will include active transport paths connecting to Bli Bli Village and Muller Park.
TMR’s project update said priorities and funding needs were reviewed and re-evaluated regularly to ensure positive road outcomes as possible are obtained within a finite budget.
It said the existing bridge would be subject to regular inspections and maintenance to allow for its continued safe operation.
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The design planning cost $3 million and was fully funded by the state government.
Community consultation for the full 27.4 km stretch of the Maroochydore-Noosa Road, including David Low Way, was conducted in 2022.
In recent years, the road has seen increased traffic volumes and congestion as a result of the population expansion.
Before last year’s state election Sunshine Coast LNP MP Dan Purdie called for the Labor state government to commit to replacing the bridge, after it pledged $700 million for a bridge duplication project at Bribie Island.
“Bli Bli is one of the fastest-growing suburbs on the Coast and the bridge is no longer fit for purpose,” he said.
