Arcadia Bus Service Reroute
| Investment | $150,000 |
|---|---|
| Goal | 1 – A city that connects you to what you need at the time you choose. |
| Strategic Purpose | Townsville City Council, Translink and Kinetic are working to deliver improved bus services on Magnetic Island. The project involves rerouting the bus service to use Marine Parade instead of Hayles Avenue, Arcadia. The new bus route will improve safety and accessibility for island residents and tourists. |
| Status | Construction |
Project Background
Townsville City Council, in partnership with Translink and Kinetic, is investigating changing the alignment of route 250 and school route 251 on Magnetic Island in response to safety concerns.
After receiving feedback from the Magnetic Island community, Council identified safety issues related to long vehicles travelling on sections of route 250 and school route 251. Specifically, Council found the road environment in some areas along Hayles Avenue unsuitable for buses.
The route from Hayles Avenue will now run along Marine Parade, with the Armand Way bus stop reopening. Additionally, due to safety concerns, the bus services will travel directly along Kelly Street, bypassing the previous route along Murray Street, Mango Parkway, and Barton Street.
Furthermore, removing the loop on Yates Street, Compass Crescent, and Sextant Drive is proposed due to low patronage and proximity to alternative stops on Yates Street near Sooning Street.
Council plans to deliver the realignment of the Route 250 and 251 services in early December 2024 (subject to the completion of the temporary bus stop infrastructure).
Project Overview
As part of this project, Council will remove ten bus stops and construct five replacement bus stops along Kelly Street, Marine Parade and Armand Way. Initially, temporary bus stops will be in place at these locations.
Stage 1 – Preliminary Works
Work will begin during the 2024/25 financial year to remove all bus stops along Hayles Avenue and McCabe Crescent, Arcadia. These works will include removing existing infrastructure, such as J-poles, and remediating the site.
As part of these preliminary works, Council will construct two new temporary bus stops along Marine Parade.
A new bus stop will be constructed at the following location:
- Opposite stop 820037 on Armand Way at Alma Bay, Arcadia. The existing Marine Parade stops heading to and from Bright Avenue and fronting the Arcadia Newsagency will remain.
Improvements to paths from Hayles Avenue to Marine Parade via Hordern Avenue and McCabe Crescent will also improve pedestrian access to the new bus stops.
Council will also construct two new temporary bus stops on Kelly Street, between Murray Street and Barton Street, in Nelly Bay.
Stage 2 – Construction Activities
Depending on Council's future budgets, work to construct permanent bus stops and associated infrastructure is tentatively scheduled for delivery in the 25/26 financial year.
These works will also include improvements to existing and proposed pathway connectors and the construction of new pathways.
As part of these works, Council will convert the existing bus stop opposite the Stage Door Theatre into parallel parking, including an accessible disability parking bay.
We will continue to provide updates on our progress and any changes to the schedule.
Documents
- Arcadia Bus Service Reroute Consultation Graphic (PDF, 2.8 MB)
- Nelly Bay Bus Stop Upgrade Consultation Graphic (PDF, 4.4 MB)
- Arcadia Bus Service Reroute Stage One (PDF, 3.0 MB)
- Arcadia Bus Service Reroute Stage Two (PDF, 3.1 MB)
Resources
Works Notifications
Project Updates
December 2024
Townsville City Council is pleased to announce that the installation of new bus stop infrastructure supporting Translink's recent service route changes is complete.
In partnership with Translink and Kinetic, Council is committed to investing in shared transport services and infrastructure to ensure your bus journey is as safe and comfortable as possible. In doing so, we aim to provide infrastructure that supports passenger transport services for the entire Island community and its visitors.
Translink developed the service route and bus stop locations to offer a safer, more direct journey and improved ferry connections. Collaborating with Translink and Kinetic, Council provided the necessary infrastructure to support their alignment of Route 250 and School Route 251 on Magnetic Island.
As part of our construction activities, Council removed two trees from the new bus stop fronting Alma Bay Park. In accordance with Council's Public Tree Management Policy (PDF, 799.0 KB) we explored all options to preserve these trees. Council acknowledges their significance to the area and appreciate the community's feelings about this change.
In response to community feedback regarding these tree removals, Council is developing an accompanying streetscape plan for Armand Way. Once completed, the specific planting locations and tree species will be communicated to Island residents.
We understand how crucial accessible parking is at Alma Bay. To help address this issue, Council revised the original bus stop design to include dual bus and loading zones. This revision aims to make loading and unloading more efficient for everyone. We appreciate your cooperation in not parking in these areas, as it will help ensure that bus operations run smoothly for all users. The updated design for bus stops on Armand Way will also enable buses to pull out of the traffic lane when stopping, further enhancing safety and efficiency.
In response to community feedback regarding parking, we have added more parking spaces on the western side of Armand Way and an extra hardstand at the intersection with Marine Parade. We are also proposing providing additional parking opportunities on Hayles Avenue.
We understand the importance of safe and accessible pathways between Hayles Avenue and Marine Parade. We've made every effort to ensure this work has minimal environmental impact. Only a small amount of infill was necessary to help eliminate trip hazards along the paths. Council acknowledges the significance of this connectivity, especially considering the recent changes to the bus service route, and we are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for the community.
Work will continue during December to remove infrastructure from decommissioned bus stops.
Future works, including proposed enhanced parking availability on Hayles Avenue and planting trees along Armand Way, require future budget allocation and will be considered for inclusion in the 25/26 Capital Plan budget.
November 2024
Council will deliver this project in stages.
Stage One
Stage One, which commenced on Monday 4 November 2024, will involve removing ten bus stops and adding five new ones along Kelly Street, Marine Parade, and Armand Way.
As part of these works, Council will:
- establish a new bus stop opposite stop 820037 on Armand Way
- install two temporary bus stops along Marine Parade and two more on Kelly Street, between Murray and Barton Streets, in Nelly Bay
- remove existing infrastructure, such as J-poles, pour concrete slabs and undertake asphalt works
- undertake minor improvements to footpaths adjacent to bus stop locations
- improve footpaths from Hayles Avenue to Marine Parade via Hordern Avenue and McCabe Crescent and remove vegetation within the works area as required.
Stage One will also include removing 13 parking bays in front of Alma Bay Park on Armand Way. Last week, Council removed two trees in preparation for these works. Weather permitting, Council expects these works to take four weeks to complete.
Stage Two
We are also planning to build eight additional car parking bays and four motorcycle bays on Hayles Avenue. This work will include constructing a shared concrete pathway and planting trees in Stage Two Council is developing an accompanying streetscape concept and will communicate with Island residents once this information becomes available regarding the specific locations and species of trees.
Council has scheduled delivery of Stage Two for the next financial year.
We invite you to review the accompanying graphics illustrating the new bus stop in front of Alma Bay Park on Armand Way and the upcoming car park upgrade along Hayles Avenue.
October 2024
Council is close to finalising plans for the first stage of work to suit the new bus route and expects to complete it in December of this year, weather permitting.
Council will continue working with Translink, Kinetic, and the island community and share project updates as they become available. This will include information on construction activities, project timeframes, infrastructure, and new and temporary bus stop locations.
