A new pedestrian bridge has been successfully lifted into place across the North
Maroochy River near Seib Road in Eumundi, marking a major milestone in a project
aimed at improving pedestrian safety in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
The 30.2-tonne structure was installed overnight on Tuesday 6 May during a planned
road closure, to minimise disruption to road users and the local community. The
bridge, which runs adjacent to Eumundi Noosa Road, was assembled off site and
craned into position as a single component, with the entire lift taking around seven
hours.
Currently, pedestrians and cyclists have less than a metre of shoulder when crossing
the river on the existing road bridge. The new pedestrian bridge will significantly
improve safety and accessibility for all users once the full pathway and boardwalk
works are completed.
The project began construction in January 2025, and is anticipated to be finished by
mid-year. The $6 million initiative is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland
Governments under a 50:50 split through the Road Safety Program.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) partnered with Sunshine Coast
Council (SCC) to develop the design for the bridge, boardwalk and pathway – an
upgrade long advocated for by the Eumundi community. SCC, as construction
contractor, is leading the build phase, and the infrastructure will become part of
council’s local road and pedestrian network once complete.
TMR North Coast Region regional director Scott Whitaker praised the project’s swift
progress and future benefits.
“It’s exciting to see such a significant new piece of infrastructure installed in one
night. Residents and visitors can now look forward to the bridge, boardwalk and
footpath opening for use later this year,” Scott said.
“The pedestrian bridge adjacent to Eumundi Noosa Road highlights that road safety
includes everyone, not just motorists. Every Queenslander deserves a safer
commute no matter the mode of transport.”
