New milestone marked on $300m Cairns Western Arterial Road Duplication

The duplication of the Cairns Western Arterial Road between Redlynch Connector Road and Captain Cook Highway in Queensland is progressing well towards construction with the preferred upgrade option now finalised. 

The Cairns Western Arterial Road Duplication project will deliver additional lanes on the last remaining single-lane sections of highway, improving safety and capacity along the route. 

“These upgrades show that the Australian Government is getting the job done for Queenslanders through our record $110 billion infrastructure investment plan. 

“This project is helping to connect communities and improve safety, while creating jobs and supporting our economic recovery. 

“Holidaymakers, families reuniting with loved ones interstate and local users will all experience the vast benefits of the upgrades,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said. 

This $300 million upgrade is being delivered as part of the Queensland Government’s $27.5 billion four-year roads and transport plan that is expected to create 24,000 jobs and will help drive the State’s economic recovery from COVID-19. 

Currently, the State Government is delivering over $1.73 billion worth of road and transport projects across Far North Queensland. 

“This includes major congestion busting projects like the $481 million Bruce Highway Cairns Southern Access upgrade from Edmonton to Gordonvale, $359 million Cairns Ring Road (Cairns CBD to Smithfield) project and the Captain Cook Highway, and the $30 million Intelligent Transport System on the Kuranda Range. 

“This is on top of the recently completed $164 million Smithfield Bypass, fully funded by the Queensland Government, and the $123.7 million Bruce Highway Cairns Southern Access upgrade from Kate to Aumuller St, both of which have cut travel times around Cairns,” Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. 

According to Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch, this duplication project complements other road projects that are being delivered in the region. 

“Since 2013, the Australian Government has committed to delivering more than $14 billion in regional road improvements across Queensland, supporting more than 30,000 jobs and boosting the economy. 

“The Australian Government will continue to invest in and deliver the road infrastructure projects that matter to locals, tourists, businesses and freight operators,” Mr Entsch said. 

Concept layout (source: Department of Transport and Main Roads)

The Cairns Western Arterial Road Duplication project will include: 

• Upgrading the section of road between Redlynch Connector Road and Captain Cook Highway to a four-lane dual carriageway 
• Duplication of the rail overpass at Redlynch 
• Duplication of the Kamerunga Bridge over the Barron River 

“This project will further improve the Cairns road network and supplement the works being undertaken as part of the $359 million Cairns Ring Road project,” Queensland Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said. 

To help minimise traffic disruptions, the project is going to be built in three stages. Stage 1 will cover the section of the arterial road between Lake Placid Road and Captain Cook Highway. Stage 2 will deliver works on the section of road between Redlynch Connector Road and Harley Street, including the duplication of the rail overpass at Redlynch. Lastly, Stage 3 will include duplicating the section of road between Harley Street and Lake Placid Road and will also include a new Barron River bridge. 

“With a growing city, it is essential that we continue to invest in essential infrastructure and Cairns Western Arterial Road is a key part of that infrastructure. 

“The duplication of the remaining single-lane sections will further improve traffic flow, especially during peak hours,” Queensland Member for Cairns Michael Healy said. 

Other works to be delivered under this project include installation of new paths as well as upgrades to existing paths, improving safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists. 

This $300 million duplication project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, each contributing $240 million and $60 million respectively. 

The Cairns Western Arterial Duplication project is anticipated to support more than 185 jobs during its construction, which will commence in late 2022. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Infrastructure Magazine; Roads & Infrastructure Australia