Frequently asked questions

What is the Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade project (CTCU)?

A road upgrade and new extension is being delivered between Omrah Avenue and Nicklin Way. The 1.6 kilometre CTCU has been planned since the early 2000's and will improve connectivity and travel choice into Caloundra by creating a new connection into the Caloundra CBD and reducing traffic congestion at the Caloundra Road/Nicklin Way roundabout and on Nicklin Way and Pelican Waters Boulevard.

This major transport infrastructure investment is the next step in meeting the current and future needs of motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and public transport users in Caloundra.

It is being jointly delivered by Sunshine Coast Council and the Queensland Government (through the Department of Transport and Main Roads).

Where is the CTCU?

The 1.6 kilometre CTCU route runs between Omrah Avenue and Nicklin Way.

The CTCU is made up of two sections:

• Section 1 between Omrah Avenue and Arthur Street, along Gosling Street, Oval Avenue and Third Avenue. This section is being delivered by Sunshine Coast Council.
• Section 2 between Arthur Street and Nicklin Way (referred to as the Nicklin Way, Third Avenue extension). This section is being delivered by the Queensland Government, Transport and Main Roads.

Where can I see the plans?

View the latest layout plans for the corridor here:

• CTCU Full Layout
• CTCU Section 1 (SCC) Layout
• CTCU Section 2 (TMR-SCC) Layout

All elements are subject to detailed design.

What will the CTCU include:

The ultimate design layout shows the CTCU as including:

Section 1

• Duplicating existing traffic lanes in each direction on Oval Avenue and Third Avenue Connecting Oval Avenue with Omrah Avenue
• Building a two-way cycle track and pedestrian pathways
• Upgrading the following intersections to traffic signals to improve safety and traffic operations:
  • Bowman Road/Gosling Street
  • First Avenue/Oval Avenue
  • Third Avenue/Oval Avenue
  • Arthur Street/Third Avenue
• Making changes to traffic movements at the following locations:
  • First Avenue, Second Avenue and Third Avenue intersections with Oval Avenue
  • Nicholls Street and Gosling Street intersection
  • Suller Street, Cowan Street and Omrah Avenue intersections with Bowman Road
• New street lighting and landscaping.

Section 2

• A new intersection connecting Nicklin Way and Third Avenue.
• An alternative entry into the Caloundra CBD and will reduce congestion at the Caloundra Road/Nicklin Way roundabout.
• Extension of Third Avenue from Arthur Street to Nicklin Way.
• A connection to Oval Avenue, which will be duplicated by Sunshine Coast Council, to improve traffic flow.
• New bike riding facilities and pathways to improve access to Caloundra via active transport.

View the latest layout plans for the corridor here:

• CTCU Full Layout
• CTCU Section 1 (SCC) Layout
• CTCU Section 2 (TMR-SCC) Layout

All elements are subject to detailed design.

What is the budget for the project?

Section 1 will be delivered and funded by council to meet local growth and community needs. It is estimated to cost more than $19.6 million.

Section 2 was jointly funded in partnership with the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council. However, the Australian Government’s Independent Strategic Review of its Infrastructure Investment Program Review outcomes indicate that the CTCU will no longer receive the previously committed $7 million Australian Government funding for Section two (Nicklin Way, Third Avenue extension). Project cost and funding contributions are subject to further consideration and negotiation.

What is the timeline of the project?

The CTCU is a multi-stage project. The proposed timeline includes:

• 2021 – Community feedback sought on concept design
• Late 2022 – Detailed design tender awarded and detailed design progressed
• 2024 – Detailed design completed and shared with community
• *Late 2023 to 2024 – Construction of Section 1 and 2 (including early works)
• 2025/26 – Completion and opening of the new transport corridor.

* Weather and site conditions permitting. A construction program and more information will be provided closer to work commencing.

This timeline and all information about the project is accurate at the time of publishing. Project outcomes including design, works and dates may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond Council’s control.

Why does the Caloundra CBD need a transport corridor?

Without this upgrade, travel time, traffic congestion and access to active and public transport in Caloundra will continue to worsen as our community grows. In fact the RACQ has recently named Caloundra Road the fourth worst congested road in South East Queensland.

The new connection and upgrades to existing infrastructure will provide for development and growth within Caloundra as identified in the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme. The CTCU has been considered in the context of many projects and strategies including the Caloundra Centre Master Plan and Integrated Transport Strategy and Local Government Priority Infrastructure Plan, amongst others.

It is vital that access to Caloundra is improved through projects such as the CTCU, before anticipated future projects and additional Caloundra development occurs. It is best practice to design a fit for purpose transport corridor that will meet the forecasted demand over the next 10-15 years. 

What is the Caloundra Centre Master Plan?

The purpose of the Master Plan is to create an integrated plan for Caloundra Centre, to encourage future development in keeping with the vision for the area. The Master Plan generally covers the area from Bulcock Beach to the Caloundra Golf Club and from the Nicklin Way to Canberra Terrace. Caloundra Centre has a strong relationship with and links to adjoining beach communities, particularly Kings Beach and Golden Beach.

It is vital that access to Caloundra is improved, through projects such as the CTCU, before this anticipated future development occurs.

For more information about the master plan, please visit council’s website: Caloundra Centre Master Plan.

Has a Cultural Heritage Assessment been done?

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) recognise the significance of cultural heritage and the importance of protecting Indigenous, historical, shared and natural heritage from impacts by road infrastructure projects.

A Cultural Heritage Assessment of the broader project area was undertaken in July 2021. A more current assessment will also be undertaken as part of the detailed design process. Vegetation of significance and high-risk areas identified with potential to be impacted in both sections of the project. Further consultation with the Kabi Kabi First Nations People will be conducted during design and construction to identify appropriate mitigations for the project.

Has the community had input into the CTCU route?

Yes, community engagement has occurred over the past 10 years. The alignment of the corridor has been determined following a lengthy and detailed assessment of planning, environmental, social and engineering considerations as well as numerous transport studies and community engagement processes since early 2000s. The alignment of the corridor is final.

What community engagement has taken place?

Council has undertaken extensive community engagement dating back to the early 2000s to help shape the infrastructure required for Caloundra, including providing an upgrade and connection from Omrah Avenue to Nicklin Way (the CTCU).

From August to November 2021, our community had the opportunity to view the CTCU concept design, speak with the project team, attend community displays, contact the project team, and provide any additional information, such as access requirements, that may be useful prior to and during upcoming phases of the project including construction.

The CTCU has been subject to numerous transport studies and community engagement processes including:

• In 2013 Sunshine Coast Council (Council) in consultation with Transport and Main Roads completed the Caloundra Area Transport Study. The study included community engagement on potential transport options, including upgrading Oval Avenue and Third Avenue.
• In 2016, Council’s draft Caloundra Centre Master Plan included the Oval Avenue and Third Avenue transport upgrade, as well as other Caloundra projects. Council staff met with key stakeholders to provide notification of the draft master plan consultation and submission process.
• In 2018 Council engaged specialist consultants to undertake a detailed analysis of which traffic route upgrade would be the most beneficial to Caloundra. Consideration was given to environmental, economic and social opportunities and challenges and the Oval Avenue and Third Avenue alignment was determined to be the best route.
• In 2018 Council consulted the community and engaged with key stakeholders on the Sunshine Coast Council Local Government Infrastructure Plan, which included the upgrade of Oval Avenue and Third Avenue. A subsequent proposed planning scheme amendment to reflect the Caloundra Centre Master Plan was also subject to public consultation in 2018.
• Between 2018 and 2020 Council continued to liaise with key stakeholders, including adjacent landowners and businesses along the CTCU corridor and in 2020 Council revised the CTCU design based on feedback from these stakeholders.
• In 2021 Council in consultation with Transport and Main Roads released the concept design to our community.
• In 2022 a Stakeholder Interest Group (SIG) was formed as part of the detailed design process.

How can I get involved?

As part of the detailed design process a stakeholder interest group (SIG) was established.

The SIG has made a significant contribution to the project to date, helping to identify opportunities and concerns to inform the ongoing design process.

As outlined on TMR’s website, the role of the SIG is to enable community input into the CTCU. The SIG continues to provide opportunity for community issues to be addressed by the project team.

You can view the SIG’s Terms of Reference here:  https://hdp-au-prod-app-qldtmr-yoursay-files.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/9416/5967/4843/CTCU_SIG_Terms_of_Reference_Final.pdf

How has the Stakeholder Interest Group (SIG) helped inform the ultimate design?

Extensive community feedback has informed the ultimate design.

In response to concerns raised during the initial CTCU planning, TMR and Council established a Stakeholder Interest Group (SIG).

Since late 2022, the SIG has helped represent the interests of the local Caloundra community and has provided valuable feedback to help shape features of the design for the CTCU ultimate project footprint.

Key features the group has influenced include:

• the importance of continued connectivity between Ben Bennett Bushland Park and neighbouring properties including aged care facilities on West Terrace
• the need to reduce the impact on vegetation in Ben Bennett Bushland Park and Bicentennial Park
• the opportunity to provide accessible, safe and efficient active transport connections for cyclists and pedestrians to cater for all ages and abilities.

Will landscaping be part of the project?

Yes.  The landscape design will focus on:

1. Relocating or offsetting any vegetation that must be removed to accommodate the important upgrades. Additional land parcels adjacent to the corridor have been purchased by Council for this purpose.
2. Improving amenity for the community to enjoy walking, cycling and other forms of active transport along the corridor through environmentally sensitive design.

Further information about Council’s commitment to our environment can be found in the Sunshine Coast Council Environment and Liveability Strategy. The strategy outlines how Council is striking a balance between the natural and built environments and maintaining the liveability of our region. 

What about Ben Bennett Bushland Park and Bicentennial Park?

Community feedback on the concept design about the impacts of the new transport link on Ben Bennett Bushland Park and Bicentennial Park is a key design consideration and will be balanced with the importance of safety, connectivity and community integration for Caloundra.

In Section 1, following community feedback a review of the link through Bicentennial Park has been undertaken. The overall four-lane corridor width has been reduced during the design process to ensure the park and much-loved fig tree is retained.  

In Section 2, a Multi Criteria Assessment (MCA) was undertaken for the first phase of the design.  The SIG were able to provide valuable input into the criterion used in the MCA to determine the final intersection option for Nicklin Way. A reduction to the project’s impact on Ben Bennett Bushland Park was achieved from the planning concept. This has been achieved with the inclusion of retaining walls on part of the new road between Nicklin Way and Third Avenue.

The transport link will utilise the already cleared Energex powerline corridor as much as possible.

Once detailed design is completed, being mindful of the park’s location and environmental sensitivities, construction will be performed under the relevant environmental conditions and an Environmental Management Plan which will consider local flora, fauna, cultural heritage and potential construction impacts.

The project team has met with members of the Bennett family to discuss the project.

How will the impact of vegetation clearing be offset?

Council is committed to sustaining and enhancing our region’s street tree canopy cover over time. As part of Council’s commitment to sustainability, our Natural Areas Management team will seek to salvage debris like hollow logs and use it to provide fauna habitat, as well as providing offset planting.

An environmental offset compensates for unavoidable impacts on significant environmental matters (for example, valuable species and ecosystems) on one site, by securing land at another site, and managing that land over a period of time to replace those significant environmental matters which were lost.

The project will first seek to avoid impacts on significantly valued environment and then mitigate impacts through  appropriate design features, where possible. Where impacts cannot be mitigated, an offset will be provided. As per standard tree offsetting process, the habitat will be offset at a minimum 3:1 ratio.

An experienced fauna spotter-catcher will be in attendance to manage and supervise all terrestrial fauna management activities prior to and during tree removal works. 

Has a Cultural Heritage Assessment been done?

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) recognise the significance of cultural heritage and the importance of protecting Indigenous, historical, shared and natural heritage from impacts by road infrastructure projects.

A Cultural Heritage Assessment of the broader project area was undertaken in July 2021. A more current assessment will also be undertaken as part of the detailed design process. Vegetation of significance and high-risk areas identified with potential to be impacted in both sections of the project. Further consultation with the Kabi Kabi First Nations People will be conducted during design and construction to identify appropriate mitigations for the project.

How will the CTCU help reduce traffic congestion?

All three levels of government see the 1.6 kilometre Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade as an essential new connection into the Caloundra CBD.

Transport access to and from the Caloundra CBD will significantly improve, with transport modelling forecasting an immediate reduction of traffic congestion on sections of Caloundra Road/Bowman Road.

Daily trips within, and to and from, Caloundra are expected to increase significantly by 2041 due to the growth in population, employment and visitors. This demand places significant pressure on transport routes accessing Caloundra CBD which are already experiencing high levels of traffic delays.

The new CTCU link is expected to reduce the number of vehicles travelling through the Caloundra Road/Nicklin Way roundabout, and alternative roads including Buccleugh Street, Queen Street and Elizabeth Street by an estimated 20 per cent.

The project will provide an improved, functional future network that meets the community’s desired standards of service.

Why is the project proposed as four lanes, why not two lanes?

Over the past 10 years, the population of the Sunshine Coast has increased by over 80,000 people. This is a trend predicted to continue. In fact, our average rate of growth is set to increase, with an extra 8,300 people each year calling the Sunshine Coast home. In 2021, our region had a population of 351,424 residents with 146,000 dwellings. We expect our population to grow to over 500,000 people by 2041.

It is best practice to design a fit for purpose transport corridor that will meet the forecasted demand over the next 10-15 years. The project is being designed to deliver improved walking and cycling infrastructure adjacent to a low speed traffic environment (typically 50km/h).

The CTCU project team has previously advised that the section of the project along Third Ave and Oval Ave is unable to be reduced from the current four lane configuration. A reduction of lanes and overall corridor width was made possible through Bicentennial Park for the new link between Bowman Rd and Omrah Ave.

Irrespective of the whether the CTCU could be delivered as a two-lane corridor or not, the properties on the corner of Oval Ave and Third Ave would be required to construct the corridor, specifically the new signalised intersection at Oval and Third Ave.

What are the benefits of the Third Avenue extension (Nicklin Way to Arthur Street)?

The new connection will create an alternate access to the Caloundra CBD. This will:

• reduce delays at the Caloundra Road, Nicklin Way and Pelican Waters Boulevard intersection.
• make travel into and out of Caloundra easier by reducing congestion on the major arterials
• provide prioritised (safe and efficient) active transport facilities including a separated two-way cycle track and pedestrian pathways
• provide for more efficient and reliable public transport services
• assist in providing an integrated network solution that is, spreading traffic more evenly across the network

It is part of a staged network solution for the intersection of Caloundra Road, Nicklin Way and Pelican Waters Boulevard.

The project will provide safer and more reliable access to Caloundra for motorists, active and public transport, now and into the future.

How was the route determined?

In December 2013, the Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) finalised the Caloundra Area Transport Study. This study analysed numerous general traffic routes from Nicklin Way and Caloundra Road to the Caloundra Central Business District (CBD). The study identified the need for a new connection between Nicklin Way and Third Avenue / Arthur Street.

A total of eight alignments connecting Nicklin Way with the CBD were analysed as part of this study. Following the strategic review of transport modelling, land use and transport planning, current transport projects, environmental and cultural heritage within the study area, three options were shortlisted for detailed assessment before the current route was determined.

Why not upgrade Arthur Street?

Arthur Street is not expected to become a preferred transport route. As with all new road infrastructure projects of this nature, a network review will occur once the project has been completed and travel behaviours have become evident, generally 6-12 months after opening. Should operational concerns such as traffic volumes and user behaviour be identified along Arthur Street, mitigation measures will be investigated.

While there are some benefits to active transport travel through the sporting precinct (along Arthur Street and past the cricket oval), the adopted Oval Avenue and Third Avenue route is required and preferred for many reasons, including the listed below:

• east-west and north-south connectivity
• more origin and destination points including residential properties
• better passive surveillance

Arthur Street is required to function as an important access to the sporting precinct which is of regional significance and not as preferred route for vehicles accessing the Caloundra CBD and surrounds which will be the function of the CTCU along Third Ave and Oval Ave.

As per any other project, a network review will occur once the travel patterns have established and settled, which is generally 6-12 months post opening of the CTCU. If operational concerns are raised, such as increased through traffic and/or high-speed use of Arthur Street then mitigations may be investigated.

Why not upgrade the Caloundra Road-Nicklin Way roundabout?

The Caloundra Road-Nicklin Way roundabout, managed by TMR.  TMR completed strategic planning for the intersection upgrade in 2016. This planning recommended a staged approach with the CTCU being stage one and the upgrade of the Caloundra Road, Nicklin Way and Pelican Waters Boulevard intersection being stage two. The strategic planning has informed the likely timing and form of the future upgrade.

The CTCU will help to ease congestion on Nicklin Way and Caloundra Road, and flow-on impacts to local roads in Currimundi, Dicky Beach and Moffat Beach.

For more information, please visit the TMR website.

Is the CTCU the Mass Transit Project or part of the Mass Transit Project?

The Mass Transit Project is a separate project to the CTCU.

The CTCU project relates to upgrades of Third Ave, Oval Ave and Gosling St, Caloundra.

Read about the mass transit project and sign up today to receive future project updates.

What is the timeline for construction?  

The project is well advanced and over the course of the next few months, the detailed design process will continue. Detailed design is expected to be complete in 2024.

Section 1 early works, including the demolition and modification of properties are currently in progress and are anticipated to be completed by July 2024. Much of these early work items are not reliant on the finalisation of detailed design.

Following the appointment of a construction contractor, detailed construction timeframes and information will be shared with our community. Construction works are planned to start late 2024 and will continue throughout 2025.

Please subscribe for construction notifications.

How can I register to receive CTCU project updates?

The project team is committed to keeping the community informed throughout all stages of the project.

A project website is available and community members can email the project team at [email protected]

To register for project updates visit the website or subscribe here