Gold Coast roadworks: Isle of Capri residents furious over planned Surfers Paradise bridge

Isle of Capri residents say they are furious about the lack of consultation on plans to build a new $34 million bridge.

ISLE of Capri residents say they are furious about the lack of consultation on plans to build a new $34 million bridge link to Surfers Paradise.

Several residents plan to attend a meeting with Capri On Via Roma traders and centre management today where council officers will provide an update on the project.

NEW PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES PLANNED FOR COAST

Isle of Capri residents are protesting about plans to upgrade bridges and roads on the Gold Coast.

“The most recurring them to date is “where was the consultation with stakeholder ratepayers. Who did council talk to”,” a resident told The Bulletin.

Some residents are furious that landmark trees on either side of the bridge, thought to be up to 60 years old, will be lost, having been a link with founding planners.

“Losing them represents a loss of historical connection. A sad departure from the vision of an island in a city. Greenery and history swapped for concrete,” a resident said.

Residents who contacted the Bulletin also voiced concerns about the lack of a U-turn on leaving the shopping centre and safety of cyclists given their children will be riding next to a four-lane major road.

Artist impressions of the Gold Coast City Council's proposed Isle of Capri Bridge duplication. Source: Gold Coast City Council

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But the biggest concern is a median strip which will prevent motorists from access to at least three streets, or a right hand turn from their homes.

The council in May 2017 announced plans for the $34 million bridge which will run parallel to the existing one and feature two lanes for vehicles and a generous shared path for cyclists and pedestrians.

Construction was supposed to start in early 2019 and be completed by 2021.

At the time of the announcement, Mayor Tom Tate said the second bridge would ease traffic congestion on the Coast.

“This will be an important east-west traffic option for our city as we move into the future,” Cr Tate said.

“Doubling the carrying capacity of the bridge is an essential part of ensuring traffic can flow freely. Inclusion of the shared path-cycleway supports people who choose sustainable travel.’’