A new pedestrian/cyclist bridge built to ensure primary school students and other local residents can safely cross Mudgeeraba Creek was opened today in Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the new $1.8 million bridge – built above the creek’s one-in-500-year flood level – replaces a temporary causeway that was impassable after heavy rains.
“This new bridge is critical to ensuring young children attending nearby Mudgeeraba Creek Primary School, and other local residents, can walk and cycle safely over the creek even after major rain events,” Mr Chester said.
City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said traffic flows along Gold Coast Springbrook Road were only going to grow over time so the construction of the new pedestrian bridge was a ‘win-win’ result for pedestrians and motorists alike.
“The provision of a shared-path adjacent to Gold Coast Springbrook Road – from the new bridge to the signalised crossing at the intersection of Gold Coast Springbrook Road and Hardys Road – will also help to ensure the safety of children going to and from the school,” Cr Tate said.
“This new bridge is a great example of the local and federal governments working cooperatively to achieve a great outcome for Mudgeeraba residents.”
Federal Member for McPherson Karen Andrews said the new bridge was a welcome addition to the transport infrastructure provided for the Mudgeeraba community.
“The bridge is an important link for young families living in homes east of Mudgeeraba Creek, to Mudgeeraba Creek Primary School to the west,” Ms Andrews said.
“In addition to keeping pedestrians and cyclists out of the reach of flood waters, this shared-path bridge has also removed the need to disrupt traffic on Gold Coast Springbrook Road when the creek rises over the old causeway.”
Before the new bridge was completed, temporary traffic control systems had to be installed on Gold Coast Springbrook Road and lane closures enforced, to allow pedestrians to safely cross the road bridge over the flooded creek.
This project was funded jointly with the City of Gold Coast Council providing $1.55 million and the Australian Government providing $250,000 through the Roads to Recovery Programme.