Construction to start on new pedestrian bridge
Safer trips across the North Maroochy River at Eumundi will soon become a reality with construction set to begin on a new pedestrian bridge which will link with the existing footpaths in the area.
The Seib Road Bridge $6 million project, which is funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under a 50-50 split through the Road Safety Program, will make crossing the river safer for locals who currently commute along Eumundi-Noosa Road with less than a metre available to walk on.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has also partnered with the Sunshine Coast Council to develop the design for the bridge, boardwalk and pathway, responding to the needs of the local community.
Sunshine Coast Council will lead the project through the construction phase and the new infrastructure will form part of the Council’s local road and pedestrian network.
The new bridge will run adjacent to the existing road bridge on the Eumundi-Noosa Road, along the southern side near Seib Road.
Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2025, weather conditions permitting.
Sunshine Coast Council Division 10 Councillor David Law said Council would continue to collaborate with TMR through the construction phase.
“I’m pleased construction will start soon on a pedestrian bridge over the North Maroochy River at Eumundi which is connected by 290 metres of new pathway and boardwalk,” Cr Law said.
“I want to acknowledge our community’s support to get this project to the next stage.
“Locals told me how they had been lobbying for safer pedestrian access and I’m so pleased to see our three levels of Government working collaboratively to design and build a vital new link for our community.”
State Member for Ninderry, Dan Purdie said since he was first elected seven years ago, he has stood with locals in the fight to fund this vital pedestrian upgrade.
"Not only has it been one of my top priorities, the Eumundi community has also been calling for it for more than 20 years," Mr Purdie said.
“The town of Eumundi has always been a special place on the Sunshine Coast for locals and visitors alike. It is important that our local infrastructure keeps pace with the rapid growth we are experiencing here.”
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm said as the Sunshine Coast grows, the region’s roads and pathways need to keep up.
"That’s why we’ve committed $3 million to deliver this project that will make this link safer for Eumundi locals," Mr Chisholm said.
“Major highways often get a lot of the attention, but we spend most of our time on local roads around where we live and work, which is why many of these projects are focused on high volume intersections and urban areas used by pedestrians.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg said the pedestrian bridge adjacent to Eumundi-Noosa Road highlighted that road safety includes everyone, not just motorists.
“This important project is about delivering lasting infrastructure to ensure safer journeys, while supporting schools and communities," Mr Mickelberg said.
“Every Queenslander deserves a safe commute no matter the mode of transport.”
