The new major road connection will greatly increase traffic flow up the Sunshine Coast
Road access for Queensland drivers will be greater than ever with the official opening of the Bells Creek Arterial Road.
Built as a part of a $70 million project by the Queensland government, the road will connect the Bruce Highway to the southern Sunshine Coast, offering drivers more routes.
It will complete an 11.9km link between the Bruce and Caloundra Road.
State premier Annastacia Palaszczuk officially opened the eight km extension on Tuesday, welcoming the increased access for motorists.
“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,” Palaszczuk says.
“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.
“Our big build is not just a promise, it’s a guarantee. A guarantee that our government will build the roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and infrastructure Queenslanders need now and in the future.”
The project has also been an economic benefit to Queensland and the Sunshine Coast region, creating over 300 direct jobs and 550 indirect jobs.
With the government investing $35 million into the road upgrades, the remaining funding came from property development company Stockland.
Stockland regional development manager Adrian Allen says the new road will make life easier for residents and drivers.
“The new road improves connectivity and community safety for Aura residents,” he says.
“The Bells Creek Arterial Road will significantly improve traffic flow in the area, with motorists expected to save several minutes on their journey around Aura using this second access point to the Bruce Highway.
“The southern city centre roundabout at Splendour Street provides direct access into Aura’s new Emergency Services Precinct where future police, fire and ambulance facilities will be located. The precinct is expected to open in mid-2024.
“The Bells Creek Arterial Road extension project has delivered significant economic benefits including the creation of employment opportunities at Aura Business Park.
“More broadly, the project supports further investment in the region, with Sunshine Coast business Shadforth Civil Contractors appointed to build the road.”
The Queensland 2023-24 budget allocated a $20.3 billion investment into the state’s big build.