DEDICATED cycleways and replacing the George Baxter Boardwalk will be features of an upgraded Koombana Drive following a decision by Bunbury City Council last night to push ahead with a fast-tracked redevelopment program.
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Erosion from the Leschenault Inlet and stormwater runoff has deteriorated the road embankment and compromised the road surface, while also impacting on the timber piles supporting the boardwalk.
City councillors last night agreed to a funding arrangement that will allow the project to go out to tender as soon as possible. Construction is expected to start in May once the tender has been awarded.
The work will involve the closure of Koombana Drive to all traffic, a move that will allow the reconstruction to be completed in the shortest possible timeframe and result in significant savings to the overall project.
A new roundabout that will allow better access to the Dolphin Discovery Centre and the proposed Department of Parks and Wildlife headquarters will also be built.
The entire project is expected to cost over $5 million. The scope of works will include a new marine wall and the existing boardwalk will be demolished to make way for a new land-based pedestrian path.
Roadworks will include widening of a 600m stretch of Koombana Drive between Estuary Drive and the Dolphin Discovery Centre, the construction of two cycleways, and a median strip with street lighting.
It will take an estimated 20 weeks to complete the work.
Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said repairing the road and improving pedestrian safety also offered an opportunity to beautify the main tourist entry into the City.
“Koombana Drive is a key route into the CBD and along with being safe it needs to reflect how beautiful our city is,” Mr Brennan said.
“The new design will also take into account accessibility with dedicated cycling lanes catering for the growing number of riders in the city.
“The boardwalk is also a popular attraction for joggers and those who enjoy the walk around the Leschenault Inlet. It is vital this important community asset is safe and of a high standard.”
Koombana Drive carries around 11,500 vehicles per day with a peak volume of more than 1000 vehicles per hour in the morning.
Traffic management plans will be released once construction dates have been confirmed, but Mr Brennan assured motorists they would be well informed.
“We have a comprehensive plan in place that will give residents, businesses and visitors notice of the closure and also alternative routes into the CBD,” Mr Brennan said.
“We understand that this work will cause some inconvenience, however, doing it in this manner means it can be completed in the shortest timeframe that also has safety and cost-saving benefits.”
