Noosa Council has reacted to a public outcry over a bridge upgrade that’s creating major traffic disruption at Tewantin.
Last Monday Doonella Lake Bridge in Tewantin started operating as a one-way, eastbound-only route, due to essential upgrade works on the 58-year-old bridge.
The change caused traffic chaos with motorists reporting delays up to 45 minutes.
Angry locals and business owners met with council last week to discuss the problem and on Friday Council CEO Larry Sengstock announced changes.
There is now two-way traffic through a single lane using traffic lights.
Noosa Council said 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 is advising motorists that significant traffic congestion is still expected, particularly during peak travel periods.
Larry Sengstock said “we have listened to the concerns of local businesses and the broader community regarding access to and from Tewantin”.
“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.
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.
It is expected the upgrade will take six months.
