REDLANDS MP Kim Richards says the $9.77 million Victoria Point Central bus station on Cleveland-Redland Bay Road will increase capacity, improve efficiency and reduce journey times.
Construction has started on the station with platforms on both sides of Cleveland-Redland Bay Road and capacity for six buses.
Ms Richards and Transport Minister Mark Bailey visited the site on Wednesday to turn the first sod.
The road has been the subject of complaints about congestion but Mr Bailey said the facility would be welcomed when completed.
“It’s inevitable when you build new infrastructure that you might have reduced speed zones for periods of time,” Mr Bailey said.
“We always make safety our first priority but this is a very significant investment for our public transport users in the area.
“I think once it’s up and running you’ll see a lot of happy faces...”
Ms Richards said the station added to improvements on Cleveland-Redland Bay Road.
“We completed Giles Road at the end of last year which has made a big difference...We’ve got Anita Street (works) coming up,” she said.
Asked whether there were plans for upgrades to Cleveland-Redland Bay Road, Mr Bailey said he was working with Ms Richards.
The state government has funded a $500,000 study to investigate the route – known as the Victoria Point bypass – which avoids Victoria Point central and instead uses Springacre, Kingfisher, Double Jump and Bunker roads.
Ms Richards said the Victoria Point Central bus station would be close to health services, shops, schools and the business district.
“This is going to make a big difference for public transport users in this fast-growing community,” Ms Richards said.
“It will also provide more reliable connections to the surrounding public transport network, including Cleveland station, Victoria Point jetty and the Redland Bay marina.
“The design will allow for an expansion of public transport to meet future needs as the local population grows.”
Ms Richards said there had been extensive consultation so the government was confident the design met residents’ expectations.
“The amenities here are going to be fantastic, particularly with crime prevention principles at its key,” she said.
Mr Bailey said there would be improved lighting, security cameras with 24-hour video recording, bike storage facilities and amenities for bus drivers.
“The good news for the local economy is that will also support an average of 24 jobs over the life of the project,” he said.
Bus services would run as normal to the Bunker Road bus stops until the new station was completed.
