$20 million Sippy Downs Drive project continues

Wed 11 April 2018 | Source: Sunshine Coast Council

The fourth and final stage of a $20 million duplication of Sippy Downs Drive, which will significantly improve traffic flow and create an entry statement into the Sunshine Coast’s Knowledge Precinct, will start mid-year.

This stage of the project will upgrade the section between the Sunshine Motorway and Siena Catholic College, replace the roundabout at the intersection of University Way with traffic signals and create a new signalised intersection at the service road (at the centre entry/exit point of the road).

Division 6 Councillor Christian Dickson said the upgrade was a key project for his division and would help alleviate traffic issues.

“This upgrade is fantastic news for the Sippy Downs community and one I know they have been eagerly looking forward to,” Cr Dickson said.

“Navigating the morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups will be even smoother for parents once this next stage of the upgrade is completed.

“As well as improving traffic flow now, it will help cater for forecast traffic volumes which is essential given the growth we’re continuing to see in Sippy Downs and nearby areas.”

Councillor Dickson acknowledged many people would be disappointed to see the roundabout fig tree removed, although its legacy will continue throughout the local area.

“I know removing the fig tree is going to be sad for many of us but it is essential for the installation of the traffic signals at the intersection of University Way which will make a world of difference to the traffic flow, particularly as we see more vehicles coming and going from the motorway,” he said.

“There will be 200 trees planted and a new boulevard of trees at the western end of the road will create a welcoming entry to the town centre.

“I worked with council officers to investigate transplanting this tree and while that is not possible due to its size and the low chance the tree would survive and very high costs, we are determined to find a way for it to live on through some other means.

“So, we will be propagating cuttings from this fig in our nursery for replanting at the entry to University Way and in other parks within Sippy Downs.”

Council is also investigating opportunities for public art displays as part of the adjacent streetscaping.

Council has worked closely with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to ensure the design integrates well with the planned upgrade works to the motorway on and off ramps.

The existing service road on Sippy Downs Drive will remain, with a change to one-way traffic and some changes to its entry and exit points.

Service relocation works are planned to start in May/June, with major civil works starting in July.

New development is continuing to gain momentum at Sippy Downs with council approving 189 residential units to cater for the growth in student numbers. The full article on the approved student accomodaiton development is here.