Work has begun on one of the city’s largest road and infrastructure projects to help meet the demand of a growing population on the northern Gold Coast.
Currently a two-lane road, Yawalpah Road in Pimpama will be converted into a four and five-lane urban road plus a new three-lane bridge over the existing rail line.
“The Yawalpah Road upgrade at Pimpama is going to improve safety and accessibility for road users in the area, plus it will reduce traffic congestion and travel times,” said Division 1 Councillor Mark Hammel.
“There will be additional lanes and a new road over the rail bridge constructed for motorists as well as improved pedestrian crossings and shared pathways to encourage active travel.”
The $56 million project will include measures to protect native flora and fauna with a large underground wildlife crossing and mesh fencing being installed.
“We will look after the safety of local wildlife by installing a 2.4 metre diameter fauna crossing to create a safe passage for wildlife between two areas of the reserve on the south and north side of the road.”
New trees and vegetation will be planted as part of the road upgrade and a 366-year-old Tallowwood tree, the largest to the east of the M1, is being preserved.
Construction includes:
- Two lanes west bound from Kerkin Road to Gawthern Drive
- Three lanes westbound from Gawthern Drive at Home Focus Pimpama
- New road over rail bridge providing three lanes westbound
- Maintain the existing road over rail bridge to provide for two eastbound lanes once the project is completed
- New signalised intersection with four pedestrian crossings at Yawalpah Road/Cunningham Drive North
- New left turn lane from Yawalpah Road to Gawthern Drive
- New pedestrian crossing at Dixon Drive between Pimpama Junction and McDonalds
- On-road bicycle lane and more than 3km of new shared path on the southern side of Yawalpah Road
During construction there will be minimal disruptions to residents and motorists however there may be minor lane closures at times.
Motorists are reminded to take extra care when workers are in the area and observe traffic sings and speed restrictions.
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