A new bypass road at Smithfield is set to commence in 2018, with a $152 million funding from the Queensland Government.
According to QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, the new bypass will significantly improve traffic flow and safety for Cairns’ far north beaches residents. The project will also be creating up to 115 full time jobs during construction.
“The people of Cairns have been hearing about the proposed Smithfield bypass road for a long time now, and Member for Barron River Craig Crawford has been a relentless advocate for the project so I am pleased to announce today it is now a reality.
“This major investment in Cairns infrastructure will deliver a new 3.8 kilometre-long road running parallel with Captain Cook Highway to provide an alternative route between the McGregor Road intersection and Yorkeys Knob Road intersection,” the Premier said.
The Premier added that the new road will cater to current as well as future traffic demand on Captain Cook Highway by directing traffic away from Smithfield and Caravonica’s busy roundabouts.
Source: The Cairns Post
The project’s scope of works will include:
- Construction of a new, two-lane bypass road which will connect McGregor Road roundabout and Yorkeys Knob intersection
- Construction of a two-lane, two-way overpass at the intersection of Captain Cook Highway and McGregor Road
- Upgrading of the existing Yorkeys Knob intersection from a roundabout to a signalised intersection
- Wide centre-line treatment for improved safety
- A full length off-road cycle path
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Source: Queensland Government and The Cairns Post