A $300 million project is being undertaken 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 CWAR as part of the federal budget.
TMR will accelerate detailed design for the section of CWAR between Lake Placid Road and Captain Cook Highway to allow construction on this section to commence in late 2022.
Detailed design for the section between Redlynch Connector Road and Lake Placid Road will also commence in 2022, however due to compressible soils in this location it will be necessary to perform preloading before construction of this section can commence in 2023.
Staging of these works will assist in minimising impacts to the travelling public during construction.
A detailed program of construction timeframes will be developed as part of the business case.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments.
We are currently undertaking detailed design and preconstruction activities for the project.
The Cairns Western Arterial Road has been upgraded between Kamerunga Road and Hythe Street, including the Harley Street intersection at Kamerunga.
The Cairns Western Arterial Road is among Cairns' most important strategic transport corridors, linking some of the city’s most heavily populated residential areas. The 1.35km project has brought important benefits to commuters, public transport users, bike and pedestrians.
The Smithfield Bypass is now open to motorists, providing vital infrastructure for the northern beaches of Cairns. The bypass meets current and future strategic transport needs of the area—providing a safer, more efficient travel route for motorists and industry.
Last updated: 22 December 2021
