Critical road infrastructure paves the way for fast-tracked Caloundra access
TRAVEL time from the hinterland to Caloundra South will be reduced to just 10 minutes following the official opening of the Bells Creek Arterial Road extension.
The $70m road was officially opened by Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk and Transport Minister, Mark Bailey, on September 19.
The project, co-funded 50-50 by the State Government and Stockland, is forecast to reduce travel time from the traffic lights on Roys Road to the Caloundra Road roundabout to about 10 minutes.
State Member for Caloundra, Jason Hunt, told GC&M News the road would be of huge benefit to travellers around the hinterland, not just Caloundra.
“It is more than just a piece of infrastructure, it’s the final piece of the puzzle for the building of the town centre in Aura,” he said.
Some residents had questioned whether the single lane road could properly support the fast-growing part of the Sunshine Coast.
A Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Spokesperson said the Bells Creek Arterial Road extension was part of a staged development plan with four lanes not considered necessary for years.
“This important first stage was reached yesterday with the opening of Bells Creek Arterial Road extension project,” the spokesperson said.
“The Bells Creek Arterial Road has been planned to allow for future duplication to four-lanes, two in each direction, as traffic demand increases and subject to funding being available.
“Upgrading to four lanes is not expected to be needed for many years.
“Traffic flow will be monitored between Aura and Beerwah and if needed, adjustments to the traffic signals will be made at the Roys Road interchange on the Bruce Highway to optimise traffic flow.”
Ms Palaszczuk said the Bells Creek Arterial would be a huge benefit to the region..
“More than 50,000 drivers use Caloundra Road every day so this brand new road will give these people a crucial second access to the Bruce Highway,” she said.
The government also announced that work was starting on a new $20m emergency services precinct – the first of its kind in Queensland.
The new emergency services precinct will include a $7.9 million state-of-the-art ambulance station, a $13.5 million purpose-built police station and $8.5 million modern Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) station.
“This is a special day for the Sunshine Coast region, as we welcome the announcement of the first ever emergency services precinct in Queensland,” Mr Hunt said.