QLD Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade marks new milestone

A new transport connection into the Caloundra CBD is close to becoming a reality as the Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade (CTCU) marks another milestone. 

Aurecon has been appointed as the detailed design consultant for the second stage of the upgrade that will ultimately connect the CBD and Omrah Avenue to Nicklin Way. 

“We’re all about making it as easy as possible to get to and from the Caloundra CBD, which is why it’s so great to see a contractor locked in to deliver the road extension. 

“This project will ease pressure on local roads, as well as the Caloundra Road and Nicklin Way roundabout, reducing travel times in the area,” QLD Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said. 

In addition, a new group of community representatives has also been gathered to provide feedback on the project. 10 community members have been selected to participate in a Stakeholder Interest Group. 

The established Stakeholder Interest Group will provide important community feedback on the project that will be considered as part of a multi-criteria assessment of options as well as traffic, flood and stormwater modelling, environmental and cultural heritage investigations. 

“It’s great to see the SIG for this project getting off the ground. 

“There are many questions and concerns that people have about this project such as how it fits into the bigger picture, and how the benefits of it are achieved while the things important to the community are protected or enhanced in the process. 

“I look forward to actively participating in the SIG in a positive and productive way by sharing information and contributing perspectives from the Caloundra Residents Association membership and broader networks to get the best outcome for the community,” Member of the Stakeholder Interest Group and Member for Caloundra Residents Association Jackie Steele said. 

The group will first meet in December 2022. Each member was selected to reflect a range of ages, demographics and interests that represent residents, motorists, trasport operators, businesses and local facilities. 

The broader community will be kept informed of the updated designs as the project progresses. This is going to be done via regular updates and information that will be available on the project’s webpage. 

“This project will make a big difference for motorists, bike riders, pedestrians and public transport users alike, so it’s great to see we’re a step closer to delivery. 

“Feedback from the stakeholder interest group will play a key role during the design period, and help us make sure the road extension meets the needs of local residents. 

“This project is another great example of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to making it easier to move around Queensland,” QLD Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

Nicklin Way/Third Avenue extension map (source: Sunshine Coast Council)

Detailed design is due to be completed in late 2023, and construction will begin shortly after. 

Weather and construction conditions permitting, the overall project is expected to be completed in late 2025. 

The Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade will span 1.6 kilometres between Omrah Avenue and Nicklin Way. The project is split into two sections: 

• Section 1 between Omrah Avenue and Arthur Street, along Gosling Street, Oval Avenue and Third Avenue – to be delivered by the Sunshine Coast Council. This section will include: 
  • Duplicating existing traffic lanes in each direction on Oval Avenue and Third Avenue, connecting Oval Avenue with Omrah Avenue 
  • Building a two-way cycle track and pedestrian pathways 
  • Upgrading the following intersections to traffic signals to improve safety and traffic operations – Bowman Road/Gosling Street, First Avenue/Oval Avenue, Third Avenue/Oval Avenue and Arthur Street/Third Avenue 
  • Making changes to traffic movements at the following locations – First Avenue, Second Avenue and Third Avenue intersections with Oval Avenue; Nicholls Street and Gosling Street intersection; and Suller Street, Cowan Street and Omrah Avenue intersections with Bowman Road 
  • New Street lighting and landscaping 
• Section 2 between Arthur Street and Nicklin Way – referred to as the Nicklin Way/Third Avenue extension – will be delivered by the Australian and Queensland Governments along with the Sunshine Coast Council. This section will include: 
  • A new intersection connecting Nicklin Way and Third Avenue 
  • An alternative entry into the Caloundra CBD and reducing congestion at the Caloundra Road/Nicklin Way roundabout 
  • Extension of Third Avenue from Arthur Street to Nicklin Way 
  • A connection to Oval Avenue, which will be duplicated by Sunshine Coast Council, to improve traffic flow 
  • New bike riding facilities and pathways to improve access to Caloundra via active transport 

Project map (source: Sunshine Coast Council)

Section 1 is estimated to cost $19.6 million and is being funded by the Sunshine Coast Council. On the other hand, Section 2 is estimated to cost $18.2 million, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments as well as the Sunshine Coast Council. 

“This is another way we can collaboratively work with the community and all tiers of government to advance the liveability of the Sunshine Coast in providing a new transport corridor that services our growing community’s needs. 

“Community feedback about the impacts of the new transport link on Bicentennial Park is a key design consideration. A review of the link through the park has been undertaken with an intention to reduce the footprint as the project progresses through detailed design. 

“This project plays an important role in balancing the importance of safety, connectivity and community integration for Caloundra,” Sunshine Coast Division 2 Councillor Terry Landsberg said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Sunshine Coast Council (1, 2)