Works to upgrade the Sundale Bridge have passed the halfway mark with construction of the fifth lane well underway.
The $34 million Sundale Bridge and Waterways Drive Upgrade will increase network capacity and improve traffic flow along the popular route connecting Main Beach and Southport
The added lane forms part of a project which includes upgrades to Waterways Drive, Main Beach Parade, and Macarthur Parade.
Mayor Tom Tate said the project would significantly improve safety as well as northbound traffic flow through Southport.
“Works to create the third northbound lane on the Sundale Bridge are well underway and are on-time and on budget,” said Mayor Tate.
“Drivers travelling from The Spit to Southport often experience significant delays during peak times. Without intervention, by 2041 the delay could increase by up to two hours.
“Upon completion in late 2021, travel from The Spit to Southport is projected to take only eight minutes during peak times.
“To further improve bridge safety, the City is also upgrading the guardrails, reducing the speed limit to 60 kilometres per hour and installing an additional early warning flashing light to alert southbound travellers that they’re approaching traffic signals.”
Traffic flow will be improved by clearing northbound traffic off Waterways Drive and the Sundale Bridge faster to provide more green traffic light time for travellers heading south on the Gold Coast Highway.
To improve network efficiency and road safety, Macarthur Parade/Seaworld Drive roundabout has been converted into a signalised T-intersection with a signalised pedestrian crossing.
An additional signalised pedestrian crossing on Macarthur Parade (near the Southport Yacht Club) has been created to encourage active travel.
1,700 metres of new pathway has been built to encourage walking, running and cycling around Main Beach.
The project commenced in August 2019 and is scheduled for completion in late 2021, creating around 200 jobs to date.
Upon completion there will be five lanes on the Sundale Bridge – three northbound and two southbound.
