Sage St, Helensvale bridge: How long it will be closed for

The Transport Department has revealed when a Gold Coast bridge will close for major reconstruction works. And it’s less than a year after it first opened to traffic.

A bridge providing access to a luxury housing development is to close less than a year after it was opened to traffic.

The first cars crossed Sage St bridge in Helensvale in May after residents had spent years waiting for upgrade work to be completed.

At the time a resident of The Surrounds, which the bridge serves, said it was “seriously crazy” how long the work had taken.

Only five months later it was revealed the bridge would have to close and again undergo major reconstruction as part of the Coomera Connector project.

The Sage St bridge connecting The Surrounds in Helensvale to Millaroo Drive. Picture: Glenn Campbell

That closure has now been scheduled for April, with the Department of Transport and Main Roads telling the Gold Coast Bulletin it was slated to last for up to a year.

“As part of the Central package for the Coomera Connector Stage 1 works, the Sage Street bridge will be extended to accommodate the new motorway lanes under the bridge,” the spokesperson said.

“It is expected that from April 2024, subject to planning, weather and contractor availability, the Sage Street bridge will be temporarily closed to vehicles and pedestrians so that bridge extension works can begin.

“The closure was communicated to impacted residents early this year. Further information in the lead-up to the closure will be communicated through electronic roadside signage, emailed traffic alerts and QLDTraffic.

“While this temporary closure will be required for up to 12 months, full pedestrian and vehicle access to the area will always be maintained via either Buckler Drive or Town Centre Drive.”

Bonney MP Sam O’Connor. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Speaking to the Bulletin in October, Bonney MP Sam O’Connor said it was extraordinary that the works had to be “ripped up” so soon.

“The bridge was a legacy thing from years ago. But the road going into it and the whole street that accesses it is brand new,” Mr O’Connor said.

“ … This is just another example of another poor process with the council. They clearly have not been talking with each other properly.”

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