New traffic conditions at a key bridge appear to have reduced delays, as the local council considers more options to help commuters.
Authorities opened a single lane of the Doonella Bridge at Tewantin to alternating traffic after reacting to widespread backlash against an earlier arrangement that sent westbound motorists on a lengthy diversion via Beckmans Road.
Noosa Council CEO Larry Sengstock said traffic flowed relatively well since the changes were implemented, while some locals said, via social media, that travel times had improved.
Mr Sengstock said a truer test would come on Tuesday, when more local schools reopen after holidays.
“There was some congestion over the weekend at certain times but, generally, traffic flowed well. Our focus is on how the network performs once school traffic returns,” he said.
“We’ll be keeping a close watch on traffic flows from tomorrow (Tuesday) and are prepared to make adjustments if needed.”
Mr Sengstock said the revised arrangement “is no perfect solution”.
“But (it) provides equity and gives people a choice about how to use the bridge during this period or take an alternative route.”
“It’s important to remind motorists that there will be significant delays during peak periods, but we are continually looking at options to improve the flow across the network.”
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Some of those options include possible ferry services, and extended night works, to hasten the $9.2 million upgrade that was slated to take six months.
“We had another catch-up with our business roundtable representatives on Monday to provide an update, and our economic development team will continue working with traders to identify ways to support local businesses during the construction period, including investigating options such as ferry services to encourage more visitors into Tewantin,” Mr Sengstock said.
“We’re also working with our contractors to explore opportunities to accelerate this project where possible, which could include more night works if feasible,” he said.
Mr Sengstock told Sunshine Coast News that the council was exploring how to work with Noosa Ferry and Cruise, which operates between Noosa Heads and Tewantin, to improve access.
Mr Sengstock also said most work had to be conducted in daylight but some night work had been conducted and there could be more to come.
“Contractors completed a week of night works last week,” he said. “Much of the work requires divers to access the concrete pylons, so it is safer to carry out this work during the day.
“Further night works are planned and the community will be advised when these take place.
“It would be significantly more expensive to do the entire project at night.”
Locals shared their opinions of the changes on community Facebook pages, after the peak hour morning rush on Monday.
“I used (the bridge) twice this morning. No problem both ways,” Sue Shaw said.
“Did the bridge both ways this morning. The cars line up but are moving within 5 minutes. The lights stay green a long time. It’s not that bad,” Luke Cliff said.
“No delays on Beckmans Road during school drop-off today,” Peace Pat added.
Some commuters said the wait at the bridge was still too long.
“Banked up to ambulance station at 8am eastbound. Gave up and used McKinnon Drive, flow was normal,” Mike Ward said.
Noosa Council Infrastructure services director Shaun Walsh said, last month, that traffic impacts were necessary to conduct works, and it could take six months.
He said then that traffic modelling showed a one-way flow of traffic eastbound over the bridge, with a westbound detour, would create far less congestion and delays than having all traffic share one lane of the bridge in a stop-go arrangement.
Early indications from the newly implemented method appear to show that may not be case, as observer Rohan Wilmott pointed out on Facebook.
“The relatively positive reports (on social media on Monday) suggests that the council modelling was quite out, and the decision process very flawed,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Sengstock reiterated that the bridge upgrade was a necessary inconvenience.
“This work needs to be done to prevent further deterioration of the 58-year-old structure and avoid a future full bridge replacement, which would cause far greater disruption to the community,” he said.
“We know these works are challenging for residents, businesses and motorists, and we’re keen to help where we can.”
The upgrade is being funded by the federal government and the council.
