After years of waiting, Far North Queensland is seeing real progress on the Cairns Western Arterial Road, with early works set to begin in the coming weeks.
The Queensland Government has awarded the early works contract to HEH Civil, which will relocate essential water and sewer infrastructure between the Kamerunga Bridge and the Captain Cook Highway ahead of the major road duplication.
While this work may happen below the surface, it is a critical step in preparing for construction. Completing these relocations now will streamline the delivery of the project, reduce future disruptions for motorists and residents, and help shorten the overall construction timeline.
Most importantly, this is what government working together looks like.
With funding committed by both the Queensland and Australian Governments, this long-awaited project is moving from planning to delivery. It demonstrates what can be achieved when all levels of government work together with a shared commitment to improving infrastructure and supporting growing regional communities.
Major construction on the duplication between Lake Placid Road and the Captain Cook Highway is expected to commence within weeks. Once complete, the upgrade will increase road capacity, improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and help people get home safer and sooner.
This project also recognises the importance of investing beyond the Bruce Highway. Strong local road networks are essential to keeping Far North Queensland connected, supporting tourism, businesses and the region’s continued growth.
For our community, this milestone is more than the start of construction. It is the beginning of delivering a project that has been talked about for many years and one that will make a lasting difference for Cairns and the Far North.
There is still work ahead, but seeing machinery on the ground is a welcome sign that this important project is finally becoming a reality.
