• North Queensland Region
Location
Kennedy Highway near Kuranda
Timing
This planning project was completed in December 2024
Status
Planning

Kennedy Highway (Cairns - Mareeba), Barron River bridge upgrade, planning

The Barron River bridge at Kuranda is nearing the end of its life. A comprehensive planning project has identified a new bridge, downstream from the existing bridge as the preferred long-term solution. The proposed new bridge will improve network reliability and safety for all road users, while minimising potential environmental and cultural heritage impacts.

Constructed in 1963, the bridge spans 256m over the Barron River, serving as a vital link in the transportation network. Inspections conducted in 2020 revealed fatigue cracks in certain steel components of the bridge. These cracks are attributed to decades of exposure to heavy vehicle loads, which have significantly increased since the bridge's construction.

To address these structural concerns, the department undertook thorough investigations, testing and repairs to ensure the safety of the bridge. A 42.5t load limit is in place. Additionally, a comprehensive monitoring and testing program has been implemented to continuously assess the bridge's condition and uphold safety standards. This program will continue until the long-term solution is implemented.

Benefits

  • Improves safety
  • Improves network efficiency
  • Accessibility
  • Contributes to regional growth
  • Better active transport

Key features

The preferred long-term option, as identified in the planning study, is a new bridge on a new alignment, downstream from the existing bridge. The new bridge option features:

  • a new pathway for pedestrians, mobility device users and bike riders, separated from traffic with a barrier
  • wider traffic lanes to meet the latest design standards
  • roadworks on the approaches to the bridge, including a new roundabout at the Black Mountain Road intersection
  • removal of the existing bridge once the new bridge is complete.

The layout of the proposed new bridge shows the new bridge and proposed works on the approaches.

Funding

This project is fully funded by the Queensland Government.

Investment ID: 1913999

Total investment
$8.98 million 
Queensland Government
$8.98 million

Current status

The planning study was completed in December 2024.

The Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) 2024–25 to 2027–28 includes $15 million towards preconstruction activities. Investment ID: 3095406

Kennedy Highway (Cairns - Mareeba), Barron River bridge upgrade, planning location map

Map showing Barron River bridge, located near Kuranda
Map showing location of Kennedy Highway (Cairns - Mareeba), Barron River bridge upgrade, planning project.

Last updated: 23 June 2025