Construction is now underway on the $104.1 million Bruce Highway - Cairns Southern Access Corridor - Stage 4 that will improve safety and access for heavy vehicles, visitors and local motorists from Kate Street to Aumuller Street.
This upgrade will involve widening a 2.6-kilometre section of the Bruce Highway from four to six lanes. This project will also include removing and replacing the existing northbound bridge at Chinaman Creek with a new three-lane bridge as well as widening the current southbound bridge to three lanes.
Other works will include upgrading the Lyons Street and Aumuller Street intersections with additional turning lanes that will help improve traffic flow.
“This is great news for drivers of around 37,000 vehicles that access the corridor every day, who will experience improvements in traffic flow, a reduction in urban congestion and overall travel time benefits.
“Widening the highway from four to six lanes will cater for the steadily increasing traffic flows along this critical corridor, to and from the Port of Cairns, the wharf precinct and the city’s central business district,” Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormick said.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) has awarded the contract to build this project to the joint venture between Georgiou Group and Koppens Developments.
“We understand our client’s needs and look forward to working with our partners - Koppens Developments - to provide a high quality project for our client and the local community,” Georgiou Group CEO Rob Monaci said.
According to Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey, the tender assessment for this multi-million dollar project involved engagement with local subcontractors and suppliers.
“The recent contract award to Georgiou Koppen Joint Venture means works have started to improve this vital link that drives transport, tourism and the Cairns’ economy,” Mr Bailey said.
The Bruce Highway - Cairns Southern Access Corridor - Stage 4 is expected to employ up to 120 workers during peak construction. The project is due for completion in 2021.
This project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, with each contributing $83.3 million and $20.8 million respectively.
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Source: Queensland Government (1, 2); Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Georgiou Group