A key road in the heart of Mooloolaba has been widened to four lanes, marking the completion of another stage of a major transport project to address congestion in the tourism precinct.
The $8.5 million upgrade to Walan Street, between Venning Street (the Coles shopping centre) and Smith Street, completes stage one of the Mooloolaba Transport Corridor Upgrade project.
The vital milestone will enable the next phases to go ahead which include widening Brisbane Road – the gateway to Mooloolaba – to four lanes, a new bridge over Mayes Canal and other intersection and landscape improvements.
Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli said the Mooloolaba Transport Corridor Upgrade was an important transport project to tackle the frustrating traffic jams and delays during peak periods and to cater for future growth.
“We’re preparing now for the anticipated growth in traffic generated by residents, businesses and the attraction of Mooloolaba’s natural features, with daily trips expected to increase from around 61,000 today to more than 90,000 in 2041,” Cr Natoli said.
“The upgrade to Walan Street is an important part of this future planning.
“Motorists will also benefit from better access to the new ParknGo Mooloolaba Central car park and the new signalised intersection at Walan Street and Naroo Court.
“Construction of the highly anticipated upgrade of Stages 2 and 3 of Brisbane Road to four traffic lanes will also soon begin.
“It’s wonderful we are now in a position to move onto the Brisbane Road upgrade, which presents an opportunity to enhance the gateway arrival experience into Mooloolaba.
“Thanks to the Federal Government’s $12 million funding contribution, we have brought forward the new Mayes Canal Bridge construction.”
Stages 2 and 3 will now be built concurrently, with construction starting in May 2021 and anticipated for completion in late 2022.
Councillor Natoli said the next two stages would see the widening of Brisbane Road from two lanes to four lanes, connecting to the Stage 1B Walan Street upgrade.
“Located between Walan Street and Kyamba Court, Stages 2 and 3 will include intersection upgrades, provision for cyclists, landscaping and the new Mayes Canal Bridge,” Cr Natoli said.
“The new bridge will maintain the same waterway clearance as the current bridge and be a 26.4-metre-wide, four lane bridge with shared pedestrian and cycle paths on both sides.
“With Brisbane Road being one of Mooloolaba’s main arteries, we will keep traffic moving while we make this important upgrade.
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“Council will continue to make every effort to minimise impacts to the local community and businesses during construction however this is a major construction project and some inconvenience is to be expected.
“Residents and interested parties will be provided with advance notice of anticipated impacts and will be updated as the project progresses.”
For more information about the project, visit the project webpage at www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/MTCU or phone 5475 7272.
Mooloolaba Transport Corridor Upgrade:
• The Mooloolaba Transport Corridor Upgrade widening of Brisbane Road and Walan Street, is a multi-stage upgrade project
• Stage 1A (completed in October 2019) $2 million extension of Naroo Court through to Muraban Street including a new roundabout.
• Stage 1B (completed in April 2021) $8.5 million Walan Street upgrade between Venning Street and Smith Street to four traffic lanes.
• Stage 2 (2021 – 2022) Brisbane Road from 42 Brisbane Road through to Kyamba Court including the new Mayes Canal Bridge.
• Stage 3 (2021 – 2022) Intersection of Brisbane Road/Walan Street/Hancock Street.
• Stage 4 (2023) Brisbane Road from near Bindaree Crescent to Culbara Street including Tuckers Creek Bridge.
All stages and scheduled timeframes may change subject to weather, site conditions, council’s budget process and other funding.
