Nicklin Way, Third Avenue extension, new intersection
The Queensland Government, in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council, has finalised design for the Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade, including the Nicklin Way, Third Avenue extension.
The upgrade aims to improve access into Caloundra's CBD with the primary goals of reducing congestion, improving traffic flow, enhancing road access, promoting active transportation, and contributing to the regional economy and growth.
This project is being delivered as a combined construction contract, with Section 1 (Omrah Avenue to Arthur Street) funded by Sunshine Coast Council and Section 2 (Nicklin Way, Third Avenue extension) jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council.
The design reflects community feedback while balancing infrastructure needs with environmental preservation and sustainability.
Benefits
- Returns local roads
- Improves network efficiency
- Increases traffic flow
- Reduces peak hour congestion
- Better road access
- Reduces travel time
- Contributes to economy
- Contributes to regional growth
- Better active transport
Key features
The design for Section 2 includes:
- 4-way signalised intersection connecting Nicklin Way and Third Avenue
- 4 lanes (2 lanes in each direction) from Nicklin Way to Arthur Street
- compliant pedestrian crossings at intersections
- underpass at West Terrace for safer active transport movements
- new separated bike and pedestrian pathways to improve active transport access to Caloundra
- alignment north of Energex high voltage poles.
Funding
This project is part of the Queensland Government's Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan.
The project is funded by the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council.
Investment ID: 1776710
Current status
To protect local habitats and species, all levels of government are working closely through the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) process. While this has adjusted the timeline for releasing the construction tender, the tender process is now underway and construction is expected to commence this year.
Final design for the Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade ( //_/media/projects/n/nicklin-way-third-avenue-extension-intersection/ctcu-final-design-layout.pdf?extension=pdf&size=12812946 ), including the Nicklin Way, Third Avenue extension, takes into consideration delivery outcomes, active transport pathway locations, landscaping, and environmental requirements.
Consultation
The Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade has been informed by more than a decade of community engagement, including consultation on transport studies, planning schemes and concept designs. A Stakeholder Interest Group, established in 2022, also played an important role by helping to refine the design—particularly around retaining vegetation, enhancing active transport facilities and maintaining connections to local parks.
The project team will continue to keep the community as the project progresses.
Environment
The project has undergone extensive environmental assessment. It was referred under the EPBC Act due to potential impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance. The design aims to avoid, minimise or offset impacts, with outcomes to be managed through construction and operational environmental management plans. EPBC approval is expected ahead of construction.
Section 2 Nicklin Way, Third Avenue extension location map
