The much-anticipated Isle of Capri bridge opened today easing congestion and improving access to Surfers Paradise and surrounding suburbs.
The new four-lane bridge has increased height for larger vessels and 4-metre-wide shared paths to improve pedestrian and cycle access.
The bridge crosses the Nerang River, connecting Surfers Paradise and Isle of Capri.
"The original bridge was 60 years-old so this upgrade was well overdue'' said Mayor Tom Tate.
"In 2019, 18,000 cars crossed the old bridge daily. The forecast for 2027 is for 25,000 cars per day."
Key outcomes of the Isle of Capri project include:
- opening access to Enderley Ave (from Remembrance Drive) to improve east-west traffic
- improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure - wider paths and bike lanes will make it safer for all active transport users
- enabling larger vessels to pass underneath (it will have an increased clearance height (from 3.1metres to 4.5metres above 'highest astronomical tide')
- upgrades to John Fraser Memorial Park and Roma Park to provide improved amenities for the community
- extending the 4-lanes on Via Roma from Verona Avenue across the bridge
- providing dedicated right-turn lanes at the Via Roma/St Peters Place/Remo Street and Via Roma/St Pauls Place intersections.
Mayor Tate said works on Via Roma and Remembrance Drive would continue for another four weeks to allow for finishing works.
"Residents and commuters have been very patient while we undertook this project. We're almost there."
Other major road and transport projects planned, or underway:
Upgrade to Old Coach Road / Bermuda Street extension to Tallebudgera Creek Road.
Duplication of Yawalpah Rd, Pimpama (Homemaker Centre to Kerkin Road).
Construction of a new western M1 service road connecting Pacific Springs Drive to the M1 Exit 45 Interchange.
