What and where is the Magnetic Island Walkway?

The 710m walkway, adjacent to Arcadia Road, will include two sections, namely:

• Geoffrey Bay towards Nelly Bay - this section will be 350m long by 2.5m wide and will lead to the first of two viewing platforms.  This section is disable access compliant.
• Nelly Bay towards Geoffrey Bay – this section will be 360m long by 2m wide and mostly elevated, with several break out areas to enjoy the vistas from.

The guard rail, adjacent to the roadway, will be replaced for the length of the walkway.  This will increase pedestrian and cyclist safety using the new walkway.

How much will delivering the project cost and where is the funding coming from?

The estimated cost of the project is $5.29million with funding from:

• Commonwealth Government: $4.7million
• Townsville City Council: $500,000
  

When will the walkway be delivered?

Who will be delivering the works?

Council has contracted Hutchinsons Builders to deliver the new walkway.

What impacts are likely to occur?

Motorists - the ocean side lane and shoulder of Magnetic Isalnd Road, between Arcadia Road and Marine Parade, will be closed from May for approximately six months.
Temporary traffic lights will be operating either end of the work site to direct trafffic.  Complete road closures will only occur during night works.  Please observe all traffic control directions, including signage, to ensure your's and workers' saftey.  Emergency services access will be maintained suring all works.

Pedestrians - a dedicated corridor, separate to the road, will be provided for pedestrians at all times.  It is likely sections of Arcadia Road will have traffic control implemented involving the narrowing of the road with reduced speed limits.

Work hours - generally work hours will be 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm Saturdays.  Night works will be required from time to time, resulting in a total closure of Magnetic Island Road, between Arcadia Road and Marine Parade.  When night works are required prior notification to local residents and business operators will be provided.

What will the walkway look like?

Artist Impressions

 Magnetic Island Concept Package (1.1MB)

 Why does Magnetic Island need this walkway?

In February 2009 Townsville City Council undertook a feasibility study on the Nelly Bay to Arcadia Walkway.  The study found that the walkway would increase safety of vehicular, pedestrian and cycling traffic and would greatly improve the accessibility to a broad range of users.
The walkway will form a key part in the recreational infrastructure on Magnetic Island and the delivery of the project will improve safety for both pedestrians and cyclists on Magnetic Island. 

This project is supported by funding from the Australian Government's Regional Development Australia Fund