Update: Tropical Cyclone Jasper reconstruction works Captain Cook Highway

The Queensland Government continues vital reconstruction works on the Captain Cook Highway following damage caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Here’s the latest update to help road users plan ahead.

Traffic Control and Closures

No night closures are scheduled for the rest of September or throughout October.
Night works may be required from late October through December 2025. Specific dates will be shared closer to the time, depending on weather, site conditions, and construction progress.

Mid-October Traffic Control Changes

The single-lane traffic control point south of Oak Beach (about 1.3 km) will move further south, shortening the existing single-lane section.
A new single-lane section will be introduced about 3 km north of Ellis Beach to allow work at a major debris flow site.
Road users will be guided by Variable Message Signs (VMS) and onsite signage.
TMR has coordinated with contractors to ensure these changes do not increase current delays.

Progress of Works

Completed and Ongoing Sites

Slope stabilisation completed at 23 sites.
Additional work is still required before these sections can fully reopen to two lanes. Tasks include:
- Drainage restoration
- Guardrail and signage installation
- Pavement repairs and line marking
These finishing works will be delivered simultaneously across several sites to minimise disruptions.

Ellis Beach to South Wangetti

Stabilisation, excavation, and concrete foundation placement for debris barrier installation are underway at major debris flow sites.
Culvert repairs continue at the southern end of Ellis Beach.

Turtle Creek Beach

Concrete pours and shotcreting are in progress.
Key updates include:
- Mesh installation and shotcreting completed upslope.
- A concrete retaining structure is being built 600 m north of Turtle Creek Beach.
- Additional retaining structures are underway at downslope sites treated during emergency works in mid-2025.
- Stabilisation works have begun upslope, 500 m south of Turtle Creek Beach.

Betterment Works

In addition to reconstruction, nearly $49 million is being invested into betterment works across eight state-controlled roads in Far North Queensland.

These works will:

Strengthen local road networks.
Reduce future disaster impacts on the community.
Include bitumen and drainage upgrades at multiple sections of the Captain Cook Highway.

This funding is part of the jointly funded Commonwealth–State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).