QLD Smithfield Bypass upgrade expanded with $12m funding commitment

An additional $12 million has been committed to expand the scope of the Smithfield Bypass project in Cairns, Queensland. With this new funding, the project will be expanded to Skyrail Drive.

“I’m pleased we’ve been able to lock in these additional works as part of the Smithfield Bypass upgrade.

“This project is already delivering huge benefits for our community, with 115 jobs on the go, so to see it bring about even more benefits is welcomed,” Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said.

The expanded scope will now include delivering four lanes along Cairns Western Arterial Road to Caravonica State primary School as well as investigation for the installation of new traffic lights at the intersection with Skyrail Drive and Cairns Western Arterial Road.

“The Palaszczuk Government is rolling out more than $1.45 billion in roads and transport for the far north, and it’s important that we continue to listen to the community as we build new roads.

“Once complete, the Smithfield Bypass together with other major projects like the Cairns Southern Access and Peninsula Development Road projects will have huge benefits for local families, businesses and the region’s thriving tourism industry,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.

Source: Department of Transport and Main Roads

In addition to the expansion, the $164 million Smithfield Bypass will deliver:

• Upgrades to the existing roundabout at the intersection of Cairns Western Arterial Road and Captain Cook Highway into a signalised intersection to allow extra lanes to increase capacity
• Four lanes on the approaches and departures at the southern connection
• A new bridge at Avondale Creek and the two-lane bypass will continue north to McGregor Road
• Two-lanes through to the northern connection to the Captain Cook Highway at McGregor Road
• Entry and exit ramps at the northern end
• A new bridge over McGregor Road roundabout
• Merge and diverge lanes to provide motorists access to and from the new bypass just north of the McGregor Road roundabout

Construction on the Smithfield Bypass commenced in December 2018 and is due to be completed - including the expanded scope - in late 2021, weather permitting.

Works are being undertaken by the Highway Construction / Albem Operations Joint Venture.

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Source: Queensland Government; Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads