Work ramps up as COVID-19 restrictions ease pressure on roads

Council is making the most of quieter roads during the COVID-19 restrictions to carry out resealing and fast-track other road and infrastructure projects across the shire.  

Road sealing under way on Teewah Street, Boreen Point, in the hinterland.

Today, at a Special Meeting, Council gave the reseal of Claude Batten Drive and Hastings Street a green light, awarding $765,000 to complete the project. 

Road sealing under way at Hector Street, Boreen Point, in the hinterland.

“We’re seizing the opportunity to do this work while the precinct is quiet due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions, and while many of the shops are still closed,” Mayor Clare Stewart said.

In the hinterland, work crews have finished pavement repairs to Cootharaba Road, and sealing of the unsealed section of Ambulance Street in Pomona will begin shortly.

“We’ve also been able to finish the Hector Street upgrade at Boreen Point sooner than expected. It’s delivered a wider road with new kerb, channel and pavement works,” Infrastructure Services Director Carl Billingham said.

“Sealing of Teewah Street at Boreen Point is also finished, ahead of time.

“Our contractors are powering through the Hilton Terrace and Gympie Terrace upgrades faster than anticipated, as they’re working around less traffic. We’ve also carried out repairs on Gibson Road at Noosaville.

Mr Billingham said Council’s parks and gardens teams were getting stuck into tree trimming.

“We’ve been busy trimming trees along major roads, such as Eenie Creek Road, David Low Way and Beckmans Road, while there are fewer vehicles about.

“We’ve brought forward our playground inspections and we’re carrying out any necessary repairs ready for when they reopen.

“At Seaview Terrace, Sunshine Beach, we’ve been able to close the street to all but local traffic so we could replace the kerb and channel at the end of the cul-de-sac.”

Work, at this stage, is expected to start on the reseal of Hastings Street – from the Park Road intersection – and Claude Batten Drive, through to Noosa Spit, next week.

“Claude Batten Drive is deteriorating fairly quickly, and as Hastings Street is showing signs of wear and tear too, it makes sense to do both jobs at once. That way we’ll avoid future disruption to businesses in that area just as they are getting back on their feet after COVID-19,” Mayor Stewart said.