Bli Bli bridge works has fishing business fearing cash, customer losses

A Sunshine Coast bait and tackle shop owner says the partial closure of a bridge will cost her “thousands”, as the government comes under fire for having no consultation.

A Bli Bli business owner is predicting a government decision to partly close a bridge on a major road will cost her family “thousands”, after already taking a hit with cost of living pressure.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads is closing part of the Bli Bli bridge on David Low Way for about eight weeks for maintenance from October 9.

The bridge will be closed to traffic travelling westbound towards Bli Bli for the safety of road workers and motorists.

Bait Master Fishing and Tackle owner Corinne Aiken, who opened her business in 2021 in the David Low Way complex with the car wash in it, said trade had already slowed due to cost of living pressures.

“So to have the access cut in the way that is proposed will result in us losing thousands of dollars, leading into what is the busiest period in retail coming into Christmas,” she said.

The Bli Bli bridge on David Low Way will partially close on the westbound side to traffic in early October, so essential repair work can occur. Picture: Letea Cavander

“We’re really concerned that people will just find it too hard to get here so they won’t come.”

The businesswoman, who owns the business with her husband Trent, said she understood work on the bridge was needed but was frustrated over the lack of consultation from the government department.

Corinne Aiken says she will lose thousands of dollars because of the decision to partially close the Bli Bli bridge on David Low Way. Picture: Letea Cavander

She also questioned if night works or a traffic light set-up were considered.

“We don’t know if other options were considered,” Mrs Aiken said.

Acting Transport and Main Roads north coast deputy regional director Bonnie Johnstone said the lane closure was required for 24 hours a day until the repairs were finished.

“The lane closure is necessary to allow repairs to the bridge substructure to be completed as the nature of the repair works prohibit direct loading of impacted bridge girders at all times during the repairs,” she said.

The Takeout Co owner Chad Fedele has concerns about the partial bridge closure and the effect it will have on his business. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“Closing bridge access to westbound traffic will allow eastbound traffic to continue through the town centre and across the bridge to ensure that congestion and queuing is minimised in the local area.

“Stop and go traffic arrangements were investigated, however this would have led to increased congestion and queuing and possible safety impacts.”

White’s IGA company director Roz White said the lack of consultation with businesses and the community was “absolutely outrageous” and “completely irresponsible”.

Another small business owner in the car wash complex, The Takeout Co’s Chad Fedele, was also concerned about the partial closure.