New Captain Cook Highway plan open to public for feedback

Captain Cook Highway, queensland, road construction,

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The general public is asked to provide feedback on the newly released master plan for upgrades on the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns CBD and Smithfield.

The plan comes as part of a program of upgrades on Captain Cook Highway.

“The preliminary master plan provides long-term, multi-modal, transport planning for an efficient link between Cairns and the growing northern suburbs population,” says Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King. 

“Extensive consultation with impacted property owners and community engagement for the preliminary master plan along the 15.5-kilometre corridor is underway,” says Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King. 

“A detailed program of construction timeframes will be developed once the staging options have been identified,” says Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King.

“Like the staged approach to upgrade the Bruce Highway on Cairns Southern Access Corridor, implementation of the delivery of the Captain Cook Highway, Cairns CBD to Smithfield, Upgrade is proposed to occur over 25 years,” says Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King. 

Master planning, including a staged upgrade approach, is expected to be finalised by mid to late 2023.

Key features of preliminary plans include improvements to ease congestion and improve safety.

“The $359 million Captain Cook Highway package is one of Far North Queensland’s most significant infrastructure projects, so it’s great to see we’ve taken another important step towards getting works underway,” says Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey. 

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government is committed to making it easier to move around Queensland, which is why we’re investing $29.7 billion in road and transport projects over the next four years,” says Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey. 

“We’re delivering the projects that matter, helping Queenslanders enjoy our great lifestyle,” says Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey. 

“The Captain Cook Highway upgrades will not only make it far quicker and safer to get around the Far North – they will also support over 380 good, secure jobs in our region during construction,” says Queensland Member for Cairns Michael Healy. 

“As part of the preliminary plan, Sheridan Street north of Grove Street will be expanded to six lanes, and intersections on the stretch will also be upgraded,” says Queensland Member for Cairns Michael Healy

This investment is estimated to support an average of 387 direct jobs over the project’s life.

“They come as part of the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s almost $1.6 billion investment in road and transport projects in Far North Queensland over the next four years, supporting 1,440 good, secure jobs in the region,” says Queensland Member for Barron River Craig Crawford.

To provide feedback on the preliminary master plan for Cairns, you can use the online consultation tool here and click on the ‘Have your say’ link.

Contact the project team on 1800 187 937 or email at [email protected].

The consultation is open until 28 February 2023.

Source: © Copyright, Commonwealth of Australia

Image source: © The State of Queensland (Department of Transport and Main Roads)

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