Early works will get underway on the first stage of the Tewantin Bypass in coming weeks as the final design for the new roundabout at the Cooroy-Noosa Road and Beckmans Road intersection progresses.
Mayor Clare Stewart said the design work completed to date had identified the alignment of the new intersection, allowing vegetation clearing and relocation of energy and water infrastructure to start.
"Seeing this project start to take shape after so many years is an exciting milestone," Ms Stewart said.
"The preliminary design for the intersection upgrade has enough detail to locate where vegetation will need to make way for the new roundabout and relocation of utilities.
"We have engaged fauna and flora specialists to give the project team advice about the best way to manage this process to minimise the environmental impacts.
"Plants and shrubs will also be planted to offset any vegetation that needs to be removed as part of the project.
"Once the area is clear, Energex and UnityWater can relocate services. Getting this work completed early cuts down the time it will take to complete the major intersection upgrade once design is complete."
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the $9.81 million project was being jointly delivered by the state and council under the Queensland Government's $400 million road stimulus package.
"This Palaszczuk Government project is one of hundreds of road upgrades being delivered across Queensland to supercharge the economy through the COVID-19 recovery," Mr Bailey said.
"The new, two-lane roundabout at Cooroy-Noosa Road and Beckmans Road was a top priority for the community and we are getting on with the job of delivering it and supporting jobs for local people along the way."
Mr Bailey thanked Noosa MP Sandy Bolton for her work in representing the community and driving the project forward.
"Sandy Bolton has been a strong advocate of the Tewantin Bypass, and instrumental in getting the project to the stage it is today," he said.
Ms Stewart said vegetation clearing would start in May, with the relocation of services to take place in the following months.
"While a lot of the work will take place off Beckmans Road, some will be on or near the existing road, and keeping workers and motorists safe will be a priority," she said.
"Lower speed limits will apply, and motorists are reminded to take note of changed traffic conditions and any directions given by traffic control.
"Council will also post updates to Facebook to let motorists and locals know when to expect changed traffic conditions.
"We thank the community for their patience while this important project is underway."
Project design is expected to be complete by June 2021 with main construction to start in late 2021, weather and construction conditions permitting.
