A major bridge upgrade has reached a key milestone, with crews completing a concrete pour this week as work continues on a project expected to run for six months.
Noosa Council has announced the milestone has been reached at the Doonella Bridge at Tewantin, where the concrete relieving slab on the southern side is now in place. The slab will undergo a seven-day curing period to allow it to reach the required strength before the next stage of construction begins.
Noosa Council Infrastructure Services director Shaun Walsh said the progress was significant given obstacles have been encountered during the works.
“We’ve encountered some challenging wet weather conditions, but good planning and coordination between council and contractors have seen solid progress made,” he said.
The relieving slab forms a critical structural platform and must cure before heavy vehicles can travel across it and asphalt works can begin. Council expects those works to start towards the end of next week.
Once the asphalt works are complete, preparations will begin to switch single-lane traffic onto the southern side of the bridge. That will allow construction crews to move on to the northern lane and continue the upgrade.
The traffic arrangements have been closely watched since the council changed its original plan following widespread community backlash over the earlier closure and diversion arrangements. Single-lane, alternating traffic was introduced in July, with council saying early indications showed the revised arrangement was helping traffic flow.
Walsh said the current arrangement appeared to be operating well.
“Our traffic staff are continually monitoring traffic, and driver behaviour has certainly helped to keep traffic moving and we appreciate the patience, understanding and kindness while waiting at the traffic lights,” he said.
“Contractors are working efficiently to complete the works as quickly as they can.”
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
The $9.2 million upgrade began in early July and is designed to prevent further deterioration of the 58-year-old bridge and avoid the need for a future full bridge replacement, which council has warned would cause significantly greater disruption.
The project has also been a concern for Tewantin businesses, which have remained open throughout construction. Council officers are continuing to meet with local business leaders as the works progress.
A Shop and Win campaign will also run through September and into October, with council and Tewantin traders encouraging residents and visitors to support local businesses.
The promotion will give shoppers the chance to win a shopping spree across three Tewantin precincts – Noosa Marina, the Hilton Terrace shops and Tewantin village.
The bridge upgrade is being funded by the Australian Government and Noosa Council.
