Kennedy Highway—Mareeba to Atherton safety upgrades

This project will deliver safety upgrades to about 21km of the Kennedy Highway between Mareeba and Atherton.

The Kennedy Highway is a strategic link in Queensland's state-controlled road network connecting mining, agriculture and tourism activities across multiple townships in Far North Queensland.

This project will provide improved safety and network efficiency to reduce fatalities and serious injury crashes on this road.

Benefits

  • Improves safety
  • Improves network efficiency
  • Contributes to economy
  • Contributes to regional growth

Key features

  • Install wide centre line treatment to reduce the risk of head-on crashes by separating oncoming traffic lanes.
  • Install audible tactile line marking (centre line and edge lines) to reduce the risk of fatigue-related crashes by providing noise when vehicles veer onto audible lines.
  • Install shoulder widening and safety barriers to reduce the risk of serious injuries caused by an out-of-control vehicle leaving the road.

Funding

The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments as part of the $415 million Roads Infrastructure Stimulus Package.

Total investment
$37.5 million
Australian Government
$30 million
Queensland Government
$7.5 million

Current status

Construction for stage 1 of the safety upgrades started in October 2020.

Project map

Kennedy Highway Mareeba to Atherton project map