CONSTRUCTION of Bells Creek Arterial Road has been delayed by about six months due to significant rainfall levels along the coast throughout 2022.
The $70 million project – which connects from Roys Road at the Bruce Highway interchange to Caloundra West – will reduce hinterland-to-coast drive times by about five minutes each way.
The 11.6km road was slated for completion later this year, but a Transport and Main Roads spokesperson told GC&M News that the Bells Creek Arterial Road would now be completed in mid-2023, weather and construction conditions permitting.
“Construction of this major arterial has been impacted by ongoing wet weather, with the Sunshine Coast experiencing some of its wettest months in history this year,” the spokesperson said.
When complete, Bells Creek Arterial Road will create a second access to the Bruce Highway, with expectations that congestion will be reduced for the 50,000 motorists who currently use Caloundra Road to connect to the highway.
Despite the floods and storms that swept through the hinterland in March this year, the Steve Irwin Way upgrade is on track for completion in late 2022.
“As with all construction, this project has been impacted by unprecedented summer rainfall and ongoing wet weather,” the TMR spokesperson said.
“Works are progressing well and are expected to be completed in late 2022, weather and construction conditions permitting.”
