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 is Council upgrading Doonella Lake Bridge?
Council is undertaking essential renewal works on Doonella Lake Bridge to ensure this important transport connection remains safe, reliable and functional for the community into the future.
Originally constructed in 1968, the bridge connects Tewantin and Noosaville and carries more than 20,000 vehicles each day. The project includes structural strengthening, bridge pile repairs, upgraded safety barriers and improvements to the road approaches.
The works will extend the bridge’s service life by approximately 50 years and improve its capacity and safety performance.
Why are these works needed now?
The bridge is showing signs of deterioration consistent with its age and coastal location. Renewal works are now required to maintain the safety and reliability of this important piece of infrastructure. Completing the works now reduces the risk of more significant deterioration that could result in unplanned restrictions, emergency repairs or potential closure in the future.
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 now 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 network impacts.
For more information on the Beckmans Road Upgrade visit Council’s website.
Why can’t both traffic lanes remain open during construction?
Due to the nature of the works, including structural strengthening, deep excavations and safety barrier upgrades, it is not possible to safely maintain two traffic lanes throughout construction while meeting workplace health and safety requirements.
A temporary one-lane arrangement has been assessed as the safest and most practical option to complete the works while maintaining access across the bridge.
Was a full bridge closure considered?
Yes. Council investigated several construction approaches, including a full bridge closure over a shorter period.
However, traffic assessments identified that a full closure would create significantly greater disruption across the wider road network.
The selected approach allows the bridge to remain open in both directions while reducing broader impacts as much as possible.
How long will the works take?
Construction is anticipated to commence in July 2026 and is expected to be completed by early December 2026, weather and construction conditions permitting.
What work is being completed?
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.
The bridge will remain open to traffic in both directions, with temporary traffic lights and traffic controllers in place to safely manage vehicle movements through the work area.
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 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.
How is Council managing traffic impacts during construction?
Council is monitoring traffic conditions throughout the project and implementing measures to support traffic flow.
Traffic monitoring equipment has been installed across the network to collect information on traffic volumes, queue lengths and travel times. This information, along with community feedback and operational observations, is being used to review traffic arrangements and identify opportunities for improvement.
Measures being considered and implemented include:
- “Keep Clear” markings at key intersections.
- Reviewing traffic signal timings.
- Monitoring the wider network for further improvements.
Why has the current two-way alternating traffic arrangement been introduced?
The current arrangement was introduced following community feedback and discussions with Tewantin traders.
It provides motorists with greater flexibility when travelling through the area while Council continues to monitor traffic performance and community feedback.
Will traffic arrangements change during construction?
Council has not ruled out further changes to traffic management arrangements during the project.
Any future adjustments will be informed by traffic data, network performance, construction requirements and feedback from the community and key stakeholders.
Will there be night works?
Council is working with the contractor to identify opportunities for night works where they can safely reduce construction impacts or shorten the overall project timeframe.
If night works are required, the community will be notified in advance.
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 construction.
Will pedestrians and cyclists still be able to use the bridge?
Yes, Council and the contractor will work to maintain safe access for pedestrians and cyclists wherever possible throughout construction. Temporary changes or detours may be required at certain stages and will be clearly signposted.
What is happening with the microbats?
Council recognises the importance of protecting local microbat colonies near Doonella Lake Bridge. Following monitoring, the microbats were safely relocated outside the construction area 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. Marine access beneath the bridge will be temporarily closed during construction for safety reasons.
Waterway users are encouraged to plan alternative routes during this 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.
Why wasn’t a temporary bridge constructed during the upgrade?
Council investigated the feasibility of a temporary bridge but determined it was not practical due to significant environmental, technical and cost constraints.
Key considerations included:
- The cost and complexity of constructing a temporary bridge.
- The need for major road realignment and additional approach works.
- Potential impacts on native flora and fauna.
- Site constraints, including existing infrastructure such as the pedestrian bridge and marina facilities.
- The need to relocate and realign the Unitywater AC rising sewer main.
Based on these factors, Council determined a temporary bridge was not a feasible option.
How will 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.
For more information and to subscribe to email updates, please visit: Noosa Council – Doonella Lake Bridge Upgrade
Who can I contact if I have questions?
For any questions or further assistance, please contact Noosa Council’s Customer Service team via mail@noosa.qld.gov.au or by calling (07) 5329 6500, Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 5:00pm and reference “Doonella Lake Bridge Upgrade” in your enquiry.
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.