Cairns Western Arterial Road, Redlynch Connector Road to Captain Cook Highway, duplication
The department is undertaking a $300 million project to duplicate the Cairns Western Arterial Road between Redlynch Connector Road and Captain Cook Highway.
In October 2020, the Queensland Government committed to a $60 million upgrade of Cairns Western Arterial Road between Redlynch Connector Road and Kamerunga Road.
On 10 May 2021, the Australian Government committed a further $240 million to upgrade the remaining single lane sections of Cairns Western Arterial Road as part of the federal budget.
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
- Upgrade of the section of the Cairns Western Arterial Road between Redlynch Connector Road and Captain Cook Highway to a 4-lane dual carriageway.
Funding
This project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments.
Queensland Government funding has been released for preparation works for Section 1 (Lake Placid Road to Captain Cook Highway), while the department continues to work towards meeting requirements set forth by the Australian Government for the release of construction funding. This follows the Australian Government’s Independent Strategic Review of its Infrastructure Investment Program.
Investment ID 1810618
Funding figures as at QTRIP 2024–25 to 2027–28 (June 2024).
- Total investment
- $300 million
- Australian Government
- $240 million
- Queensland Government
- $60 million
Current status
Detailed design for the project commenced in April 2022.
In December 2023, the project was returned to planning due to the Australian Government's Infrastructure Investment Program Review outcomes and the 2023-24 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook.
The department is now undertaking scoping activities to refresh the planning and business case details and construction milestones for the project considering the outcome.
Construction scope and timeframes for future stages will be determined once detailed design is complete and the outcomes of the planning refresh are approved.
Preparation works for Section 1 (Lake Placid Road to Captain Cook Highway) commenced in August 2024. These works are expected to be complete in late 2025, 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.