Revealed: missing link in the Oceanway is a new pedestrian bridge offering best Coast views

The Gold Coast Oceanway is to get a critical missing link with planning about to start on a pedestrian bridge across the Currumbin Creek offering spectacular views.

A CRITICAL missing link in the Gold Coast Oceanway will be addressed, with planning to start on a pedestrian bridge across Currumbin Creek offering spectacular views.

Designs obtained by the Bulletin show the bridge, on the eastern side of the Gold Coast Highway, will curve left southbound around the creek linking up to oceanway.

Other transport plans released last year showed the proposed light rail Stage 4 crossing would be on the western side of the bridge.

The latest artist impressions showcase how the new active transport bridge will provide some of the city’s best views.

First look, from the northern side, a proposed pedestrian bridge across Currumbin Creek.

The Oceanway link will become a tourist attraction as locals and visitors can take photographs east of the creek to the surf and north to the Surfers Paradise skyline.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the state government had provided $1.5m for planning with public consultation about to kick off.

Feedback from residents would help form the business case for the project, which has yet to be costed.

The bridge is proposed to be 450-metres-long and five-metres-wide, and will create

a separate, dedicated and less steep pathway for walkers, joggers, and bike riders.

“Facilities like this will help grow the number of people leaving the car at home and

walking or bike riding to the beach, shops and even to work,” Mr Bailey said.

“We know that, on average, every dollar we invest in bike-riding infrastructure will

return nearly five dollars in economic benefit to Queensland with improved health

outcomes, reduced traffic congestion, and lower transport costs.”

First look close up, a new pedestrian bridge proposed for Currumbin Creek.

The government has doubled the level of road and transport infrastructure in a four-year, $29.7 billion plan including $268.8 million towards active transport projects including bikeways, shared paths, and bridges.

“Walkers, joggers and bike riders currently face a narrow, steep footpath on the

existing Currumbin Creek estuary bridge, with no place to stop, rest and enjoy the

view,” Mr Bailey said.

“The current path is also close to the highway, making it difficult for people in

wheelchairs and pushing prams to access it safely and conveniently.

“The preferred option will improve accessibility, safety and convenience for the

community and visitors who are coming to enjoy our great Gold Coast lifestyle.”

Mr Bailey encouraged residents to “have their say at consultation sessions or to take a look at the plans online, to help shape the business case.

Consultation starts on Friday and continues to March 27.

A new pedestrian bridge proposed for Currumbin Creek.

Community sessions will be held on March 18 from 8am to 1pm at the Dune Cafe, Palm Beach and on March 21 from 12pm to 5pm at Wallace Nicoll Park, Currumbin.

Two other sessions are planned — on March 23 from 9am to 2pm at the Dune Cafe, Palm Beach and March 26 from 9am to 2pm at Wallace Nicoll Park, Currumbin.

The Oceanway is a 36km network of shared cycle and pedestrian paths from Main Beach to the border. Work is still being planned on the northern end at Main Beach and The Spit.

The Tugun to Bilinga section was completed in 2018 and had a lighting upgrade two years later. Palm Beach North was finished last year.

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