Just ride out range delay

One lane to close on Saturday morning for cycle safety reasons

MOTORISTS can expect delays when travelling on the Kuranda Range this weekend with one lane scheduled to be closed for about two hours on Saturday.

Up to 200 cyclists will tackle the range road from 6am to 8.45am, starting their 320km charity ride from Cairns to Cooktown for the Mount Franklin Cardiac Challenge.

The closure will affect the uphill lane of the Kennedy Highway from Canopy Edge, Smithfield to Rainforestation, Kuranda.

Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation fundraising and marketing manager Glenys Duncombe said the one-lane closure was organised in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Queensland Police Service.

“We are very cognisant of potential impacts on the community,” she said.

“Which is why we arrange just a one-lane closure of the ‘up’ lane.”

Ms Duncombe said all cyclists were expected to be off the range by 8am. Any riders not reaching the top by the deadline would be taken by vehicles.

She said all emergency vehicles would be able to traverse the range in either direction if required during the closure.

“We are so grateful for the public’s patience for this short closure, which adds a special element to the event that provides so much to the community,” she said.

The ride will start from Tjapukai at 6am on Saturday.

Motorists are asked to be cautious of riders on other roads over the weekend if travelling in the direction of Mt Molloy, Lakeland or Cooktown.

Funds raised from this year’s Cardiac Challenge will go towards a second cardiac catheter lab in Cairns.

For more details or to donate visit www.cardiacchallenge.com.au and