A major new east-west road connection through Hervey Bay is entering its final stages
Fraser Coast Deputy Mayor Denis Chapman said the Boundary Road extension would set up the rapidly growing Fraser Coast region for the future, reducing traffic congestion and taking the pressure off Boat Harbour Drive.
“The Boundary Road extension will provide alternative and improved access to the Hervey Bay city centre, major shopping centres, tourist destinations and the medical precinct,” he said.
“Work on this project began in November 2021, and while wet weather slowed progress in the early stages, the construction site has been a hive of activity this year.
“Construction works in Denmans Camp Road began in July and will continue until mid-2024 with the existing traffic arrangements to remain in place until the project is completed.
“A four-week closure of the Ironbark Street and Denmans Camp Road intersection is planned in early January for works in that area, while there will also be a two-week closure of Richard Charles Drive in February for the construction of a raised priority crossing.
“We urge motorists to be patient and follow the traffic control advice while this important work to deliver a major new road connection in Hervey Bay is underway.”
The Boundary Road extension includes the construction of a dual-lane two-way road along the vacant road reserve between the roundabout at the Urraween Road and Kawungan Way intersection, connecting to the intersection at Boundary Road and Denmans Camp Road.
It will include new traffic lights at the Boundary Road intersections at Grevillea Street and Denmans Camp Road, with concrete shared pathways and on-road cycle lanes.
The $32 million Boundary Road extension project is being funded by the Australian Government ($9.625 million) as part of the Hinkler Regional Deal initiative, the Queensland Government through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme ($3.272 million) and Fraser Coast Regional Council.
More details about the project, including a flyover animated video, is available at https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/boundary-road-extension-project.
The Boundary Road Extension Project will provide for the completion of the missing link between Boundary Road and Kawungan Way which will give residents and visitors an alternative and improved access to the Hervey Bay CBD, major shopping centres, tourist destinations and the medical precinct. With the region’s population forecast to reach 150,000 within the next 20 years, an improved east-west road connection will cater for growth, limit traffic congestion and take pressure off Boat Harbour Drive, Hervey Bay’s primary east-west link.
This connection has been planned since the 1980s, with the majority of the road reserve for the link dedicated in the 1990s.
Construction commenced on 15 November 2021 with works likely to be completed July/August 2024, weather permitting.
This project will provide for the construction of a dual lane two way road along the vacant road reserve between the roundabout at the Urraween Road and Kawungan Way intersection connecting to the intersection at Boundary Road and Denmans Camp Road. The project will include new signalised intersections at Grevillea Street and Denmans Camp Road. The project will also include road lighting, landscaping and drainage works. A shared path will be provided for the length of the road corridor which will improve the east-west connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.
Drainage modelling has been undertaken as part of the design to identify treatments to minimise stormwater inundation along Denmans Camp Road. Proposed stormwater works include the provision of a retention basin to help control the stormwater flows at the Denmans Camp Road culverts and rerouting of stormwater flows to the open channel drain along Boundary Road east of Maree Street.
The design will include the provision for some vehicle crossovers, where possible, at properties that currently have a defined rear access provision onto the existing
road reserve. Properties located on the northern side between Grevillea Street and Denmans Camp Road that may access the rear of their property through the large
drainage area will no longer be provided with access due to the corridor required for drainage purposes.
To limit traffic disruptions to this main thoroughfare, it should be noted that no additional rear access provisions over and above those being provided as part of this construction project will be permitted. Primary access to properties are through their front access streets.
No. Council will not be replacing or upgrading the existing private property fencing located at the rear of properties that adjoin the Boundary Road Extension road reserve; however, there will be areas of landscaping included between existing fencing and the road reserve area.
Yes. The works will require the use of various machinery such as excavators, profilers, loaders, rollers and trucks as well as hand tools such as demolition hammers and power saws. Noise from the works can generally be expected between 6.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. on weekdays. In extreme cases or emergencies where construction outside of these times are necessary residents will be notified.
The total cost of this project is estimated at $32M. This project is being partly funded through the Federal Government’s “Hinkler Regional Deal” with the Federal Government contributing $9.625M of funding towards the project and the State Government's contributing $3.272M through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme. The remaining $19.103M will be funded by Council.
Yes. Concrete shared pathways will be provided on both sides of Boundary Road. On road cycle lanes are also included as part of the design.
The speed limit for this section of Boundary Road will be 60km/hr.
Tree removal will occur within the road footprint and every effort will be made to minimise vegetation clearing within this corridor. New trees will be planted to off-set any vegetation removal that is undertaken as part of the project.
Yes. Residents who provide an email contact address will be provided with project updates monthly. Additionally, Council’s Project page for this project will also include details relating to progress of the project on a monthly basis.