City transport officers have mapped out locations for new Gold Coast green bridges

Council are planning to build several bridges across the Gold Coast to help reduce congestion in busy suburbs. See where

Several green bridges are being planned as congestion busters for the Gold Coast’s busy canal estate suburbs in what is a major U-turn for council’s transport plans.

Gold Coast City Council officers say the only other option to relieve traffic headaches in the canal areas would be to resume million-dollar plus mansions to build new streets. But this is not considered an economic or practical solution.

Some councillors are shocked, believing green bridges were on the backburner after the award-winning designed Hota connection across the Nerang River cost $19.5 million.

“We do have a suite of green bridges,” an officer told councillors in a briefing.

Mapping shows the bridges will be at Florida-Gardens-Broadbeach, Broadbeach Waters-Isle of Capri and Mermaid Waters-Robina. They are to be a lower cost compared to the Hota bridge.

New green bridge planned at Florida Gardens on the Gold Coast.

The Bulletin in March revealed three green bridges were planned for the northern Coast in a $50 million transport “game changer” pushed by planning committee chair Mark Hammel.

City transport officers now say they view the canals as a barrier for traffic like the M1.

“These areas across the canal suburbs – there’s not an opportunity to add additional road spaces, unless we have an appetite to resume houses and that isn’t really sustainable,” an officer told the most recent transport committee meeting.

New green bridge planned for Mermaid Waters-Robina.

“We have to look at green bridges. They won’t be as elaborate as some of the other green bridges.”

Transport committee chair Darren Taylor said he was a strong supporter of the green bridge program and lower cost options.

“Green bridges help connect our communities between our waterways and roads,” he said.

“As the city grows we need to provide ways for our communities to get around our city and alternative ways to travel other than cars.

“Green bridges allow residents to get from one suburb to another without having to get into a car. It will also give student alternative connections from their home to schools.”

Mr Taylor said the smaller bridges need to be delivered over the next four to eight years.

New green bridge planned for Broadbeach Waters-Isle of Capri.

Deputy Mayor Donna Gates wants all options to be considered to ensure best use of ratepayer dollars.

“The council officers are clearly exploring active travel options to reduce Gold Coast traffic congestion,” she said.

“There are locations along the M1 that would benefit from pedestrian access over the motorway – but only if (they are) state funded, because these bridges come with a very high price tag that should not be borne by the ratepayer.

“My personal preference is for investment in the road networks close to our high density populations.

“There may be modelling evidence which demonstrates a high level of potential use providing pedestrian-cycle access to businesses or schooling. Any such suggestion would need to be considered on its merit, including value for money.”

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Originally published as City transport officers have mapped out locations for new Gold Coast green bridges