Education precinct’s vital link swings into place

A new stand-alone pedestrian and cycle bridge has reached new heights with the installation of the bridge’s deck units being craned into place.

This month heralds a milestone moment for the Stringybark Road Pedestrian and Cycle bridge with 50 per cent of construction finished.

The new 3m-wide “missing link” spans the Sunshine Motorway, bridging the Division 6 and 7 communities.

Sunshine Coast Division 6 Councillor Christian Dickson said the images of the deck being carefully positioned into place showcased a major piece of transport infrastructure.

“I’m pleased to see projects like this get off the ground as it’s essential for elevating safe and improved connectivity between Buderim and Sippy Downs,” Cr Dickson said.

“The new bridge will be separate from the vehicle bridge and will provide a shared pathway for bicycle riders and pedestrians to use for commuting or leisure. 

“Motorists over the last couple of nights had a front seat view as a 200-tonne crane lifted 12 pre-cast concrete beams into place to form the bridge’s span.

“The crane was positioned in the centre of the Sunshine Motorway with some temporary changes to traffic conditions implemented for safety reasons.

“As you can imagine it’s a complex job building a new bridge adjacent to an existing bridge and over the Sunshine Motorway.”

Division 7 Councillor Ted Hungerford agreed and thanked the community for their continued patience while the remaining half of construction was completed.

“By connecting Buderim and Sippy Downs, we are providing a safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists between the nearby schools, UniSC, local businesses and suburbs,” Cr Hungerford said.

“This project also gives our residents an alternative to using the car, decreasing the number of vehicles on our roads.

“I look forward to this upgrade being completed later this year.”

For our community’s safety and the safety of the construction team, a reminder that there are reduced speed limits on the Sunshine Motorway with speed cameras in operation. Infringement notices will be issued by Queensland Police to motorists not obeying the signed conditions.

In addition to the new pedestrian and cycle bridge, the pathway on the existing vehicle bridge will be removed and the bridge reconfigured to provide on-road cycle lanes on both sides.

The separation of both bridges ensures all users can cross over the motorway safely, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to adopt more sustainable methods of transport.

The $11.8 million project is proudly supported by the Queensland Government's Cycle Network Local Government Grants program and Sunshine Coast Council.

For more information about this project, please visit Council’s website and search ‘Sippy Downs Stringybark Road pedestrian and cycle bridge’.