Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade reaches major project milestone

The congestion-busting Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade (CTCU) is moving forward with the confirmation of the project footprint. 

This 1.6-kilometre corridor is considered an essential route that will improve connectivity and travel choice into the CBD. The project will also encourage active and sustainable transport such as walking, cycling, electric vehicles and public transport. 

The project's ultimate footprint includes: 

• A new intersection with Nicklin Way by extending Third Avenue 
• Active transport underpass for more convenient pedestrian and cyclist movements 
• Improved safety and accessibility for pedestrians with new signalised crossings, new pedestrian pathways, and new dedicated two-way cycle track alongside a low-speed traffic environment 
• New street lighting and landscaping 
• An alternative entry into the Caloundra CBD and reducing congestion at the Caloundra Road/Nicklin Way roundabout 

The confirmed project footprint will help reduce congestion and delays at the Caloundra Road, Nicklin Way and Pelican Waters Boulevard intersection while providing flow-on benefits for local roads in Currimundi, Dicky Beach and Moffat Beach. 

The corridor design also focuses on significantly improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists with the new signalised crossings, pedestrian pathways and a dedicated cycle track. 

“The RACQ (Royal Automobile Club of Queensland) has recently named Caloundra Road the fourth worst congested road in South East Queensland. 

“This upgrade will help to ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time and improve access to active and public transport in Caloundra now and into the future,” Sunshine Coast Council Spokesperson Division 2 Councillor Terry Landsberg said. 

Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade Ultimate Footprint (source: Sunshine Coast Council)

The CTCU’s ultimate design was informed by extensive community feedback. Transport and Main Roads as well as Sunshine Coast Council established a Stakeholder Interest Group (SIG) as a response to the concerns raised during the initial CTCU planning. 

Since late 2022, the SIG has represented the interests of the local community and has provided valuable feedback to help shape the features of the design for the CTCU ultimate project footprint. 

Key features of the footprint that the SIG influenced include: 

• The importance of continued connectivity between Ben Bennett Bushland Park and neighbouring properties including aged care facilities on West Terrace 
• The need to reduce the impact on vegetation in Ben Bennett Bushland Park and Bicentennial Park 
• The opportunity to provide accessible, safe and efficient active transport connections for bike riders and pedestrians to cater for all ages and abilities 

Feedback provided by the SIG has directly shaped a safer and more convenient access to Ben Bennett Bushland Park for Caloundra residents through the inclusion of an active transport underpass near West Terrace. 

The Group has also directly influenced a reduction to the project’s impact on Ben Bennett Bushland Park, which has been achieved with the inclusion of retaining walls on part of the new road between Nicklin Way and Third Avenue. 

The SIG has significantly contributed to helping identify opportunities and concerns regarding Bicentennial Park. The four-lane corridor width was reduced during the design process, ensuring the park and the much-loved fig tree were retained. 

“The SIG members have been proud advocates for their community and have provided valuable input to help shape the look of the new intersection and road corridor between Nicklin Way and Arthur Street. 

“Knowing more about how locals use the existing spaces, such as Ben Bennett Bushland Park, will help to deliver the best possible outcomes to improve the connectivity of Caloundra’s CBD. 

“The project team will continue to mitigate impacts in Ben Bennett Bushland Park as detailed design continues to progress. Where impacts cannot be mitigated, an offset will be provided. 

“We will be back out to the community later this year with a final design layout,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

Artist impression of the Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade (source: Sunshine Coast Council)

The CTCU was designed to meet future demands when the corridor opens in 2025/26 as well as over the next decade, catering to the growing population, business and tourism in the region. 

The project will be delivered in two sections – Section 1 and Section 2. The initial concept design for these sections include: 

Section 1 

• 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 
  • 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 
  • Suller Street, Cowan Street and Omrah Avenue intersections with Bowman Road 
• New street lighting and landscaping 

Section 2 

• 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 

The first section is estimated to have a delivery cost of $19.6 million and it is going to be funded and delivered by the Sunshine Coast Council. 

On the other hand, Section 2 is going to be delivered as part of the $18.2 million upgrade to the Nicklin Way-Third Avenue Connection. This section is jointly funded by the Australian Government through the Infrastructure Investment Program ($7 million), the Queensland Government ($7 million), and Sunshine Coast Council ($4.2 million). 

Early works on Section 1 – including underground service relocations and property demolition – are due to begin later this year. 

The final design and construction details for Section 2 are scheduled to be released later this year as well, and it will confirm the final configuration of both intersections for Section 2 as well as the active transport pathway locations. 

Delivery of the fourth leg into Industrial Avenue is still subject to available funding once detailed costing is completed. 

While the project footprint has been decided, the project team will continue to work closely with the SIG with further meetings this year to determine other opportunities for the CTCU including community activation and landscaping. 

“I’ve been very impressed with how the teams at TMR and SCC have come together to digest a wide range of community opinions for a design that balances protection of the local environment and improves access to Caloundra for both residents and visitors. 

“While other transport platforms are still years off, this project is a critical piece of infrastructure for Caloundra and the Sunshine Coast for now and into the future,” Stakeholder Interest Group member Angus Booker said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Sunshine Coast Council (1, 2, 3); Roads & Infrastructure Australia