Thousands expected to walk new Maroochy River bridge

The new $25 million Maroochy River bridge will greatly benefit motorists but today it will be enjoyed by thousands of Sunshine Coast residents – without a vehicle in sight.

Minister for Main Roads, Warren Pitt will cut the ribbon and declare the new bridge open this afternoon, allowing the community to get an up-close look at the Sunshine Coast's newest icon.

Live music, entertainment and food will all be part of the BridgeFest activities.

"It's fantastic to see the community embrace this project and support today's festivities in such an enthusiastic manner," Mr Pitt said.

"The opening of the new Maroochy River Bridge is a major milestone for the Sunshine Coast.

“This magnificent new bridge is a vital and valuable asset for a growing region and a thriving local community.

“The opening of the bridge to traffic will fulfil a promise made by the previous Premier and Minister to deliver the new bridge 12 months ahead of schedule.”

Community involvement in the project will be ongoing, with Mr Pitt launching a competition to name both the new and existing bridges.

Mr Pitt said the competition was an extension of Main Roads' normal infrastructure naming policy, which involves extensive community consultation.

A selection panel, made up of community representatives, will assess competition entries and make a recommendation on the winning name to the Minister.

“The community already plays a considerable part in the naming of any bridge – this competition just takes that participation to another level,” Mr Pitt said.

"Given the bridges belong to the people of the Sunshine Coast, it's only fitting the community provides a name for them.

"Submissions may be related to the characteristics of the area, an event that has occurred locally or a person who has made a significant contribution to the Sunshine Coast community.

"The Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest developing regions in the state, as well as being steeped in history, so I'm sure there will be no shortage of suggestions.

"The winning name will be used for both bridges."

The new bridge is part of the $104 million duplication of the Sunshine Motorway from Maroochydore Road to the David Low Way.

Once the new bridge opens to traffic, work will start on upgrading and widening the existing Maroochy River Bridge, which was completed in 1990.
"Only minor work remains to complete this new bridge and bring it on line," Mr Pitt said.

"With the upgrade of the existing bridge, the number of traffic lanes crossing the Maroochy River will increase from two to six, which will significantly improve traffic flow.

"This project is another example of Main Roads' commitment to planning and building for the future.

"Currently 34,000 vehicles per day cross the Maroochy River on the Sunshine Motorway but the current rate of growth will see that figure double by the year 2020."

Mr Pitt said the new bridge would also provide for pedestrians and cyclists.

To help encourage cycling and an active lifestyle, the new bridge features a four metre wide cycle and pedestrian path.

Noise barriers installed at the southern end of the bridge are made from glass and feature a marine-themed pattern.

The benefits of this are two-fold – the transparency of the glass allows passengers in vehicles travelling over the bridge to enjoy river views, while the pattern reflects the activity of the river and its banks.

The new bridge will be opened to traffic in mid-December, weather permitting, with one northbound and two southbound lanes, allowing upgrade work to start on the existing bridge.

The upgrade is expected to be complete by the end of 2008.

Entry forms for the naming competition can be collected at BridgeFest, downloaded from the Main Roads website at www.mainroads.qld.gov.au or picked up from the Main Roads district office in Gympie. Forms will also be published in the Sunshine Coast Daily in coming weeks.

Entries for the bridge naming competition will close on 15 February 2008, with a name expected to be announced in April 2008.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819