The developing Bells Creek Arterial Road is now connected over the creek as the construction of two new bridges wraps up.
When complete, the link will provide a vital second access to the Bruce Highway at the existing Bells Creek Road and Roys Road interchange.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey celebrated the milestone, made possible by another record road and transport plan.
“We’ve handed down our seventh record road and transport plan, totalling $29.7 billion in projects across the state over four years,” Mr Bailey said.
“This investment will help Queenslanders get home safer and sooner, while supporting 25,200 good jobs across a wide number of industries.
“It’s fantastic to see the benefits of that investment in action here at Bells Creek.”
Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said the new Arterial Road would meet the infrastructure needs of emerging communities in the rapidly growing Caloundra South area.
“Managing infrastructure capacity is vital to the success of new developments like Aura and we have worked closely with Stockland as they deliver this project,” Mr Hunt said.
“The construction of the two new bridges at Bells Creek signals that we are continuing to make progress on the major project.
“We’re over halfway on construction and the focus will now turn to the southern connection for residents in Bells Creek.
“Once complete, locals will have a quicker, safer drive between Caloundra and the highway, especially those travelling to and from the Aura estate.”
Mr Hunt said work had also started on an overpass of Bells Creek Arterial Road to make crossing safer for people walking and riding to Baringa and Nirimba.
“The added active transport options being built as part of the project, including dedicated pedestrian and bike riding paths, are a real win for the community,” he said.
“More Queenslanders than ever before are getting out and getting active, and now locals here will have the extra option.
“We know, on average, every dollar invested in bike riding infrastructure will return nearly five dollars in economic benefit to Queensland and I’m committed to making walking or riding a bike an easy, convenient and enjoyable way to travel in Caloundra.”
Stockland Project Director, Josh Sondergeld, acknowledged the important milestone for the Aura community.
“The Bells Creek Arterial Road is a significant piece of infrastructure to be delivered by Stockland and when completed, it will provide direct access to Aura, Australia’s largest masterplanned community and home to 50,000 new residents,” Mr Sondergeld said.
“It will improve connectivity for the region and support the active lifestyle of the Aura community with dual-purpose bike and walking paths being central to the design.
“Construction of the Bells Creek Arterial Road is now around 60 per cent complete and we look forward to seeing the widespread benefits that it will provide once completed”.
With the bridges now complete, work is progressing to deliver the southern connection of Bells Creek Arterial Road, which will improve access for residents in Bells Creek.
This next milestone is expected to be completed in late 2022, weather and construction conditions permitting.
Stockland anticipates the new road to be fully completed in June 2023, subject to weather conditions.
“This is just one of many roads and transport projects driving jobs and improving safety connectivity here on the coast,” Mr Hunt said.
“We’re delivering more lanes on the Bruce Highway, creating better bus routes to service growing communities and supporting good Queensland jobs in the process.
“Only the Palaszczuk Labor Government is delivering for the Sunshine Coast and I’m proud of the work we continue to do.”
The Palaszczuk Government has committed $35 million to delivering the Bells Creek Arterial Road extension, with Stockland matching this contribution and committing $35 million.
