• North Queensland Region
  • State Road Network Upgrade
Location
Redlynch Connector Road to Captain Cook Highway
Timing
Preparation works for Section 1(Lake Placid Road to Captain Cook Highway) commenced in August 2024 and are expected to be complete in early 2026, weather permitting
Status
Detailed design

Cairns Western Arterial Road, Redlynch Connector Road to Captain Cook Highway, duplication

The Queensland Government is undertaking a $300 million project to duplicate the Cairns Western Arterial Road between Redlynch Connector Road and Captain Cook Highway. This upgrade will transform the road into a 4-lane carriageway, improving safety, capacity, and traffic flow for the region.

Benefits

  • Improves safety
  • Increases capacity
  • Improves network efficiency
  • Increases traffic flow
  • Reduces peak hour congestion
  • Reduces travel time
  • Contributes to economy
  • Contributes to regional growth
  • Better active transport

Key features

  • The project spans from Redlynch Connector Road to Captain Cook Highway, with Section 1 focusing on the stretch between Lake Placid Road and Captain Cook Highway.

Funding

This project is a planned investment. The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments as published in Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2024-25 to 2027-28.

Investment ID 1810618

Total investment
$300 million
Australian Government
$240 million
Queensland Government
$60 million

Current status

Detailed design for the project commenced in April 2022.

Preparation works for Section 1 (Lake Placid Road to Captain Cook Highway) commenced in August 2024. These works are expected to be complete in early 2026, weather and construction conditions permitting. The works include relocating services including telecommunications and electricity, demolition of properties acquired by the department and some vegetation removal, between Hythe Street and Caravonica State School.

The Queensland Government is working towards securing construction funding for future stages.

Last updated: 15 November 2025