Unlike the bear hunters from the famous children’s rhyme written by Michael Rosen, the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line is going to have to figure out a way to go under it.

Some of Sugar Bag Road’s Mountain Bike Trails were temporarily closed from October 14-18 and closures are continuing October 21-25 for geotechnical investigations related to the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line project.

The trail closures include complete closure of Party Mix, Fantales, and Sweet Sugar trails, with a partial closure of the Milky Way trail.

All other trails remain open for use.

These investigations aim to gather information about ground conditions to inform the planning and design of a proposed 1.2km tunnel between Caloundra and Aroona – which will be constructed beneath the bike trails with no ongoing impacts to the mountain bike facility expected.

Trail regular Asher Stokewell said the trails were not only good for the locals and tourism but were also a safe haven for local wildlife.

“You don’t always see a lot of animals while riding, but you see evidence they are around, and if you walk through quietly in the early morning or late afternoon, you’ll see them,” Mr Stokewell said.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads have signs on site that state the facility would “not be impacted when the rail line is operational.”

But Mr Stokewell expressed concerns it wouldn’t be the first time the government had “said one thing and done another.”

“I checked the website, and all the closure signs say the trails will remain untouched, but people are still a little nervous.”

“If it turns out they can’t do the tunnel they’re going to have to figure out a way around, they just can’t go through here, we will seriously tie ourselves to trees like in the movies to stop them.”

According to the Department of Transport and Main Roads the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line is proposed to be delivered “progressively.”

“This was a recommendation of the detailed business case due to the length of the line, construction impacts, market capacity and affordability,” the department states.

“Progressive delivery means that passengers can start using this rail line sooner, with major construction activities for the first stage of this new line expected to commence in 2026.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish said the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line would make a trip from Caloundra to Brisbane at least 45 minutes faster.

“With the number of trips on the Bruce Highway set to increase by 49 per cent by 2046, residents in the region need a direct, fast and reliable connection to the South-East,” Mr Mellish said.

“Direct Sunshine Coast Rail will not only help ease congestion but will also help unlock future housing development on the Sunshine Coast.”

According to state government data, the Sunshine Coast is one of Queensland’s fastest growing regions, expected to reach more than 600,000 residents by 2046.

The strongest growth is forecast to occur in the existing urban corridor between Caloundra and Maroochydore, and within a new residential growth corridor between Beerwah and Caloundra.

Planning for the rail line began with the Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Options Study (CAMCOS) in 1998, which preserved the corridor for future development.

Recent evaluations have revealed significant changes from the original CAMCOS plan, including the removal of Pelican Waters station due to complex engineering challenges, projected limited demand, and environmental considerations.

Notable design changes include:

• Track alignment at Beerwah East: Adjusted to avoid Beerwah Forest Reserve and reduce habitat impact while allowing for faster speeds and reduced travel time.
• Track alignment at Pelican Waters: Shifted west to minimize noise and vibration impacts, facilitating a straighter path for higher speeds and shorter travel times.
• Tunnels at Little Mountain: Selection of twin mined tunnels to minimize land and environmental impacts, preserving community facilities on Sugar Bag Road.
• Changes to Park ‘n’ Ride at Aroona Station: Park ‘n’ ride facilities will be located beneath a raised rail structure to further reduce land and environmental impacts.

Stage 1 of the project, extending a dual-track rail line from Beerwah to Caloundra, is projected to be completed by 2032.

This initial phase aims to improve public transport options significantly, reducing travel times between Brisbane and Caloundra by over 45 minutes compared to driving during peak hours.

The planning includes the construction of new stations at Nirimba and Caloundra, which will facilitate easier access for commuters and support the growth of the surrounding areas.