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 (CWAR) 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.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on an 80:20 (federal:state) basis. Investment ID 1810618
Detailed design for the section between Redlynch Connector Road and Harley Street (Stage 2) will start in 2022.
Detailed design for the final stage between Harley Street and Lake Placid Road, including a new Barron River bridge (Stage 3), will also start in 2022. Construction of (Stage 3) will begin once all the land requirements are finalised.
Staging of these works will help minimise impacts to road users during construction.
Find out more about this 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: 4 February 2022
