Council bridging the gap between Mooloolaba's separated bikeway

Mooloolaba is a step closer to a new $5.15 million pedestrian and bicycle bridge, after council unveiled the design last week.

This cycleway bridge is jointly funded by Sunshine Coast Council and the Queensland Government’s Cycle Network Local Government Grants program, with the state government contributing $2.57 million towards the project.

The 5m-wide bridge will be an entry statement into Mooloolaba, spanning Mayes Canal and connecting the two complete stages of the region’s flagship separated bikeway and adjacent coastal pathways.

Construction is scheduled to start in the coming weeks and is due to be completed before December 2018.

Division 4 Councillor John Connolly said the new bridge was designed to reflect its location and significance within the Mooloolaba landscape.

“The bridge incorporates distinctive architectural detailing with precast façade panels reflecting wave details, flowing paths and landscaping to each approach to compliment the design,” Cr Connolly said.

“The design presents different experiences to users at different vistas, whether crossing the bridge, viewing from Brisbane Road or from a nearby residence.

“Several factors were considered in determining the width and type of bridge structure, including visual appeal and the increasing number of people embracing active transport in Mooloolaba and wider Sunshine Coast region.

“The bridge has been designed to provide minimal visual impact for surrounding residents and is Stage 5 of the Mooloolaba to Minyama separated bikeway.

“The previously completed stages of the Mooloolaba to Minyama bikeway are being used by bike riders of all ages and abilities, for commuting and recreational rides, and is proving to be a very worthwhile investment for our community.

“This bridge will connect those sections, making it easier and safer to ride, run or walk into Mooloolaba.

“It will also remove the need for pedestrians and bike riders to travel over the nearby traffic bridge on Brisbane Road.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said it was great to see more cycling infrastructure being built on the Sunshine Coast.

“These works are part of a $17 million investment by the state government to support the delivery of safe cycling infrastructure by local governments across the state in 2017-18,” Mr Bailey said.

 “We know that, on average, every dollar we invest in cycling infrastructure will return nearly five dollars in economic benefit to Queensland with improved health outcomes, reduced traffic congestion, and lower transport costs.”

The bridge will form a vital link in the region’s overall active transport network and forms part of the Coastal Pathway.

The dedicated off-road cycle link, which will mark arrival into Mooloolaba, is part of council’s endorsed Place Making Mooloolaba Master Plan.

It is also the latest in a series of new cycling infrastructure constructed by council and jointly funded by council and the Queensland Governments’ Cycle Network Local Government Grants program. Recent additions include a new shared cycleway on Goonawarra Dr in Mooloolaba and a shared bridge over Eudlo Creek in Maroochydore.

Construction details

Council’s project team has strict environmental procedures in place to ensure there is no negative impact on the canal and its water quality.

Every effort will be made to minimise noise and disruptions during construction. Nearby residents and stakeholders will continue to be kept updated throughout the construction process.