The works are part of a major $34 million upgrade to Waterways Drive and the Sundale Bridge, which is set to enhance traffic flow and boost network capacity on the route connecting Southport and Main Beach.
In addition to the extra lane across Sundale Bridge, the project will also see upgrades to Macarthur Parade, Main Beach Parade and Waterways Drive.
The flow of traffic northbound and the safety of drivers should be greatly improved as a result of the project, according to Mayor of the Gold Coast Tom Tate, who added:
“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.”
Tate said that when the works are complete, which is expected to be at the end of 2021, travel between The Spit and Southport could take as little as eight minutes at peak traffic times.
The safety of the bridge will also be upgraded, with renewed guardrails, a speed limit reduction to 60kph and a flashing early warning light installed to warn of approaching signals.
Residents have often been alerted about major upgrade works such as this via locally targeted flyer printing campaigns.
To encourage cycling, running and walking within Main Beach, the council has also constructed a new pathway measuring 1,700 metres long.