Key components of a pedestrian and cycle bridge have been installed, marking the halfway point of construction.
The 3m-wide bridge will span the Sunshine Motorway and provide a key link between communities.
Sunshine Coast councillor Christian Dickson said images of the deck units being lifted into place showcased a major piece of transport infrastructure.
“I’m pleased to see projects like this get off the ground as it’s essential for elevating safe and improved connectivity between Buderim and Sippy Downs,” he said.
“The new bridge will be separate from the vehicle bridge and will provide a shared pathway for bicycle riders and pedestrians to use for commuting or leisure.
“Motorists over the last couple of nights had a front seat view as a 200-tonne crane lifted 12 pre-cast concrete beams into place to form the bridge’s span.
“The crane was positioned in the centre of the Sunshine Motorway with some temporary changes to traffic conditions implemented for safety reasons.
“As you can imagine, it’s a complex job building a new bridge adjacent to an existing bridge and over the Sunshine Motorway.”
Councillor Ted Hungerford thanked locals for their patience.
“By connecting Buderim and Sippy Downs, we are providing a safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists between the nearby schools, UniSC, local businesses and suburbs,” he said.
“This project also gives our residents an alternative to using the car, decreasing the number of vehicles on our roads.
“I look forward to this upgrade being completed later this year.”
There there are reduced speed limits on the motorway with speed cameras in operation.
Infringement notices will be issued by Queensland Police to motorists not obeying the signed conditions.
In addition to the new pedestrian and cycle bridge, the pathway on the existing vehicle bridge will be removed and the bridge reconfigured to provide on-road cycle lanes on both sides.
The separation of both bridges is expected to ensure all users can cross the motorway safely, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to adopt more sustainable methods of transport.
The $11.8 million project is supported by the Queensland Government’s Cycle Network Local Government Grants program and Sunshine Coast Council.
The aerial imagery in this story is from Australian location intelligence company Nearmap. The company provides government organisations, architectural, construction and engineering firms, and other companies, with easy, instant access to high-resolution aerial imagery, city-scale 3D content, artificial intelligence data sets, and geospatial tools to assist with urban planning, monitoring and development projects in Australia, New Zealand and North America.
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