The Queensland Government has officially opened the Sunshine Coast’s $70 million Bells Creek Arterial Road, which aims to reduce travel times to improve the state’s transportation into the future.
The State Government invested $35 million into the road’s construction and development.
Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, State Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, and Member for Caloundra, Jason Hunt, officially opened the 8km extension of Bells Creek Arterial Road, completing the 11.9km link between the Bruce Highway and Caloundra Road.
Delivered as part of a $70 million project, the road was co-funded by development company Stockland and the State Government, aiming to provide a vital second gateway from the Bruce Highway to the southern Sunshine Coast.
The project has delivered significant economic benefits, including the creation of over 300 direct jobs and 550 indirect jobs over the life of the project, with Sunshine Coast business Shadforth Civil Contractors appointed to build the road.
Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said “The population of the Sunshine Coast is booming – one of the reasons our government put funding on the table to bring its construction forward from 2030.
“We promised the accelerated delivery of the Bells Creek Arterial in 2020 and today we are delivering on that commitment.
“More than 50,000 drivers use Caloundra Road every day so this brand new road will give those people a crucial second access to the Bruce Highway,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Our Big Build is not just a promise, it’s a guarantee. A guarantee that our government will build the roads, bridges, school, hospitals and infrastructure Queenslanders need now and in the future.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, said the development of the Bells Creek Arterial Road sparks the start of the government’s transportation projects across the state.
“Bells Creek Arterial Road now spans nearly 12-kilometres and will bust congestion on the Sunshine Coast, thanks to local member Jason Hunt’s tireless advocacy, and the workers who got the job done,” Mr Bailey said.
“As an avid bike rider, I’m excited to announce we’ve delivered improved active transport connections, including an overpass bridge from Baringa and Nirimba, helping more Queenslanders get outside and enjoy our great lifestyle.
“And that’s not all – over the next four years, the State Government is investing over $32.1 billion in road and transport projects all over Queensland, supporting 25,200 good, secure jobs across the state.
“We’re delivering more lanes, better roads and safer interchanges, helping Queenslanders get home sooner and safer.”
Featured image: Bells Creek Arterial. Image: Queensland Government.
