Summary
Council is undertaking essential renewal works on the Doonella Lake Bridge in Tewantin to ensure it remains safe, reliable and fit for purpose into the future.
Originally constructed in 1968, the bridge is a critical transport connection between Tewantin and Noosaville, carrying more than 20,000 vehicles daily. This project includes, but is not limited to, structural strengthening works, bridge pile remediation and upgraded safety barriers to extend the bridge’s lifespan by approximately 50 years as well as significant road approach upgrade works.
Why are these works being undertaken now?
The bridge is showing signs of deterioration consistent with its age and effects from the coastal environment.
Undertaking these works now will help alleviate the risk of more significant future deterioration that could lead to emergency repairs or potential closure in the future.
This upgrade will extend the bridge’s operational lifespan by approximately 50 years and bring the structure closer in line with modern safety and design standards.
Why can’t Council wait until the Beckmans Road Upgrade is complete?
Council recognises the existing congestion challenges within the Beckmans Road corridor and appreciates community concerns regarding overlapping traffic impacts.
However, delaying the bridge renewal works would significantly increase the risk of further deterioration to this important piece of infrastructure. The condition of the bridge has also reached a point where renewal works are considered necessary to maintain long-term safety and functionality.
Alternative timing and staging options were carefully investigated during planning. Council will continue coordinating with relevant stakeholders and service authorities where possible throughout the project to help minimise broader road network impacts.
Why can’t both traffic lanes remain open during construction?
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the works - which include deep excavations, structural strengthening activities and roadside safety barrier upgrades - it is not possible to safely maintain two traffic lanes while meeting current workplace safety legislation and traffic management requirements.
A temporary one-lane arrangement is considered the safest and most practical option during key stages of construction.
Was a full bridge closure considered?
Yes. Council investigated alternative construction staging options, including a full bridge closure over a shorter construction period.
However, traffic assessments determined that a full closure would create significantly greater disruption across the wider local road network than a managed one-lane arrangement over a longer timeframe.
The current approach aims to maintain access across the bridge at all times while reducing broader impacts where possible.
How long will the works take?
Construction is expected to start in July 2026 and be completed by early December 2026, weather and construction conditions permitting.
What will be done to the bridge?
The upgrade works include:
- Strengthening the existing bridge structure to meet current bridge design standards. Increasing the load to 33 tonnes.
- Repairing and encasing existing bridge piles.
- Replacing and upgrading bridge and road approach safety barriers to meet current design standards.
- Improving the Hilton Terrace Road approach for cyclists and riders, including smoother vertical alignment.
- Reducing long-term maintenance and operational requirements to reduce ongoing road settlement.
What traffic impacts can the community expect?
Temporary traffic changes, including single-lane closures and changed traffic conditions, will be in place throughout the project’s duration.
Motorists are likely to experience delays, particularly during peak travel periods. Traffic control and signage will be in place to help manage movements safely.
Where feasible, some works may occur at night, during extended hours or on selected Saturdays to help reduce overall construction duration and minimise impacts.
Drivers are encouraged to:
- Allow for extra travel time.
- Consider alternative routes where possible.
- Avoid peak periods if practical.
- Follow all signage and traffic controller directions.
- Where possible, use active transport such as walking or cycling, or consider carpooling or public buses.
Will emergency services, waste collection and public transport still have access?
Yes. Emergency services, waste collection and bus operators are being kept informed throughout the project to help minimise disruptions and maintain services during the construction period.
Will pedestrians and cyclists still be able to use the bridge?
Yes, Council and the contractor will ensure safe access is maintained for pedestrians and cyclists wherever possible throughout construction. Temporary changes or detours may be needed at certain stages and will be clearly signed.
What is happening with the microbats?
Council recognises the importance of protecting local microbat colonies near Doonella Lake Bridge. After monitoring was completed, the microbats were safely relocated to appropriate habitat beyond the construction zone after the breeding season. Council will continue working with environmental specialists to minimise impacts on wildlife throughout the project.
Will marine access under the bridge be affected?
Yes. For safety reasons, marine access beneath the bridge will be temporarily closed while works are in progress.
Waterway users are encouraged to plan alternative routes during the construction period.
How is Council trying to minimise disruption?
Council acknowledges the inconvenience these essential works may cause and has carefully considered traffic impacts and construction staging throughout the planning and design phase.
Council is working closely with the appointed contractor, Marine and Civil Maintenance (MCM), to minimise disruption wherever possible. This includes investigating:
- Concurrent work activities.
- Extended work hours.
- Night works where feasible.
- Selected Saturday works.
The aim is to safely complete the works as efficiently as possible while maintaining access across the bridge.
How can the community stay informed?
Council will also continue keeping the community informed throughout the project via:
- Local radio announcements.
- Local newspaper notices.
- Social media updates.
- Variable Message Sign (VMS) boards.
- Corflute signage in key locations.
- Web updates.
- Project newsletters.
- Direct email notifications to stakeholders and subscribers.
To subscribe to email updates on this project, complete the form at the bottom of the project page.
How is this project being funded?
This project is proudly funded by the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, in partnership with Noosa Council.
*This page will be updated as the project progresses.