Construction work to start soon on new campus bus station

University of Queensland staff and students are advised of changed local traffic conditions at the St Lucia campus commencing in early October.

The $55.5 million Dutton Park-St Lucia bridge, which is well under construction, will enter the UQ St Lucia parklands in an area not far from the present Dutton Park ferry.

The bridge, which is due to be commissioned in early 2007, will cross Sir William MacGregor Drive and College Road.

It will service a soon-to-be-constructed bus station, in an area of open parkland between the Alumni teaching gardens and the small lake.

Changes from October will include the fencing off of the bus station area to permit construction. The small car park adjoining field no 3 will close, and College Road will be closed at Thynne Road, in the section closest to the Dutton Park ferry.

Changes to College Road will permit the reclaiming of additional parkland for the enjoyment of staff, students and visitors. The new, landscaped parkland will counterbalance the loss of land to the bus station.

Drop-off points will be provided at either end of College Road.

University Secretary and Registrar Douglas Porter said the bus station would form a cul-de-sac ensuring buses turned around and returned via the bridge to Dutton Park.

“The final outcome reflects many months of patient negotiation between all the key stakeholder groups,” he said.

“It addresses the University’s concerns that the University remains a pedestrian-friendly campus.”

Major work on the bus terminal and cul-de-sac at the University is expected to begin in the first week of October and continue through until February 2006. Other works will continue through to 2007.

The design ensures the pedestrian and cycle paths from the bridge links into the existing system of pathways through the University.

Mr Porter said the University had been assured by Brisbane City Council there would be minimal disturbance to traffic flow on the University’s grounds and traffic could still access the popular large University lake area.

Preparatory clearing work for the busway and bridge surrounds will result in the loss of some trees, including introduced species. No trees will be removed from the Alumni garden. Some mature palm trees will be relocated to other parts of the University campus.

The University is working with Brisbane City Council and its contractor, John Holland to limit the loss of vegetation and ensure a replanting program of appropriate species to compensate as part of landscaping works.

A wildlife specialist has been engaged to ensure the safety of any affected wildlife species during the clearing work.

John Holland has established a construction information line at 1800 214 387 and an email contact:communityfeedback@bigpond.com for further information and for members of the community to provide feedback.