Funding locked in for new Barron River Bridge project

The Queensland Government is ensuring a new Barron River Bridge is built as it commits $245 million towards the project, matching the Australian Government’s investment that was announced earlier this year. 

A new bridge is going to be constructed downstream the existing structure to provide a safer, stronger and more reliable connection between Cairns and the Tablelands. 

“This is what real leadership looks like – after a decade of Labor neglect, we are delivering the infrastructure to keep Queensland moving. 

“This commitment cements full funding for the project and will allow detailed design and pre-construction works to begin. 

“We’re a Government of delivery. We do what we say we’ll do – funding it, building it, and delivering it. This is generational infrastructure that will serve the Far North for decades to come,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads Berent Mickelberg said. 

This project is proposed to include: 

• 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 completed 

• A turnaround facility on the Kennedy Highway 

“This bridge is more than infrastructure – it’s a lifeline for our communities, and we’re proud to be finally making it a reality for our region. 

“I fought for this before the election, and I haven’t stopped since I was elected as Member for Barron River. We promised we’d deliver, and today we’re doing just that for the people of this region – this is the moment we’ve been waiting for. 

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering real results with the new bridge to help improve connectivity and safety for our key road link between Cairns and regional Far North Queensland,” Member for Barron River Bree James said. 

Once completed, the new bridge will deliver long-term accessibility for the people, businesses, as freight operators of Far North Queensland. 

With funding secured from both the Queensland and Australian Governments, the project will now move to the detailed design phase and progress the approval process. Construction of the new Barron River Bridge will follow suit. 

“Labor turned a blind eye to the needs of our region. The Crisafulli Government is listening, acting, and delivering. 

“This bridge is a vital link for access for education, medical and other essential services as well as te movement of freight and goods, for the Tablelands residents, businesses and of course tourism. It’ll have a long-lasting and widely felt positive impact,” Member for Cook David Kempton said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Big Rigs; Bree James MP – Member for Barron River