Cairns Western Arterial Road, Redlynch Connector Road to Captain Cook Highway, duplication
The Cairns Western Arterial Road is being upgraded between Redlynch Connector Road and Captain Cook Highway. This upgrade will transform this section of 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 Australian and Queensland governments have allocated funding towards duplicating the Cairns Western Arterial Road between Redlynch Connector Road and the Captain Cook Highway.
Current status
Early works have commenced on Section 1 of the Cairns Western Arterial Road duplication between Lake Placid Road and Captain Cook Highway.
Initial works include relocation of water and sewer infrastructure between the Barron River and Caravonica State School.
These works include vegetation removal, trenching, underboring, and minor earth works.
The relocation works are expected to be complete in late 2027, weather and construction conditions permitting.
Early relocation of these services ensures the project can progress smoothly into construction, shortening overall construction time and minimising disruption to the community. Tenders for the main duplication package for Section 1 between Lake Placid Road and Captain Cook Highway are expected to be called in late 2026, with major construction to begin as soon as utility relocation works allow.
Further information about future works will be available on completion of detailed design.
Project map
