Noosa Council CEO Larry Sengstock has approved the implementation of two-way traffic through a single lane using traffic lights over the Doonella Lake Bridge for the foreseeable future, as works continue on the bridge upgrade project.
The bridge will be closed overnight tonight for scheduled works and will then re-open to all traffic at 5am on Saturday, operating under a single-lane arrangement using traffic lights, that will allow vehicles to travel in both directions between Tewantin and Noosaville.
The decision follows ongoing traffic monitoring and concerns raised by Tewantin business operators regarding the impacts of restricted access on customers, staff and business activity.
Council advises motorists that significant traffic congestion is still expected, particularly during peak travel periods.
CEO Larry Sengstock said the revised traffic arrangement reflects Council's commitment to listening and responding to community concerns while ensuring the bridge upgrade can continue safely and efficiently.
"We have listened to the concerns of local businesses and the broader community regarding access to and from Tewantin," Mr Sengstock said.
"I want to stress that this change will not eliminate traffic congestion and delays associated with this major infrastructure project, but it will provide motorists with greater choice in how they opt to travel across the Noosa road network."
"We will continue to closely monitor traffic conditions on the local road network, with the arrangement to be reviewed as required to assist traffic flow and ensure community safety and project delivery objectives are maintained," Mr Sengstock said.
The new traffic arrangement will also result in disruption to some Translink bus services. Passengers are encouraged to check Translink service updates and plan their travel accordingly.
Motorists are urged to allow extra travel time, consider whether journeys can be undertaken outside peak periods and follow all traffic management directions while travelling through the area.
This decision and announcement means there will no longer be a requirement for a Special Council Meeting on Monday, as previously proposed.
Fast facts:
- The full bridge closure remains in place overnight tonight, as previously advised.
- The bridge will be closed overnight tonight and will re-open to all traffic at 5am Saturday under a single-lane arrangement using traffic lights.
- Single lane traffic access in both directions using traffic lights will remain in place for the foreseeable future while construction works continue.
- The decision follows ongoing traffic monitoring and feedback from Tewantin businesses regarding access restrictions.
- Traffic congestion and delays are still expected, particularly during peak periods.
- The arrangement provides motorists with greater choice in how they travel across the road network.
- Some disruption to Translink bus services is anticipated.
- Council will continue monitoring traffic impacts in the immediate area and across the broader Noosa road network and where possible implement measures to assist traffic flow.
