Case study: Captain Cook Highway, Smithfield Bypass Project

The Captain Cook Highway/Cairns Western Arterial Road intersection to the McGregor Road roundabout is a principal cycle route.

Completed in November 2021, the Smithfield Bypass project delivered a new 3m-wide, off-road shared pathway extending 4km from the Captain Cook Highway/Cairns Western Arterial Road intersection to the McGregor Road roundabout. The pathway created multiple connections at Mallows Bridges underpass, Catanna Road, Unnamed Road and McGregor Road.

Outcomes and benefits 

Delivery of the dedicated shared path alongside construction of the bypass demonstrates: 

• effective application of the policy provision requiring TMR funded projects on principal cycle routes to provide cycling facilities 
• how the policy is helping to deliver a complete cycling network and best value for money, while increasing safety for bike riders
• how high-quality active transport infrastructure can be delivered significantly cheaper and more efficiently as part of broader road upgrade projects, compared to being retrofitted later.

Smithfield and the Cairns northern beaches have a strong active transport community. 

Prior to construction, no dedicated pathway or cycleway was available through Smithfield resulting in bike riders having to ride on the shoulder of the existing Captain Cook Highway through Smithfield, used by around 45,000 cars per day in an 80km/hr environment. 

Delivering a dedicated connection for bike riders and pedestrians of all ages and abilities, the new shared pathway:

• provides a safer, more direct and efficient route for people riding bikes and walking between adjacent developed areas, including several schools, James Cook University, a major shopping centre, tourism precinct and residential areas 
• improves connectivity and access to other active transport infrastructure within Smithfield, including 2 existing path networks
• means people riding bikes and walking avoid 3 large roundabouts
• encourages more people to travel actively for work, recreation or fitness within Smithfield and the wider region, including Cairns city and the northern beaches
• improves the area's visual amenity.

The pathway is located in tropical North Queensland between the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Area, supporting the growth of the area as a world class tourist destination.

Image description: Before, facing north towards McGregor Road roundabout.

Image description: After, facing north towards McGregor Road roundabout with the shared pathway shown to the left.