Key $16m roadway upgrade begins

WORK has started on the State Government’s $16.3 million upgrade of the Cairns Western Arterial Rd (CWAR) near Kamerunga – and it is going to take a while to finish.

Barron River MP Craig Crawford said the project, which included a major overhaul of the Harley St intersection, would significantly reduce gridlock and support 16 jobs during construction.

“This is great news for Cairns and a big step forward in upgrading this important north-south arterial route,” he said.

The Harley St intersection upgrade is expected to be complete early next year.

“For the safety of workers and road users, changed traffic conditions will be in place on CWAR throughout the project,” Mr Crawford said. “I urge all road users to drive to conditions and always follow the direction of traffic controllers.”

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the project was born of Mr Crawford’s lobbying to make sure funds from the under-budget Bill Fulton Bridge duplication went towards roads in the region.

“Thanks to Craig’s advocacy, this upgrade is being funded through savings made during the Bill Fulton Bridge project,” Mr Bailey said.

The road will be upgraded to a four-lane corridor between Kamerunga Rd and Harley St.

The Harley St intersection will also be widened to reduce queues during peak times and allow traffic to flow more efficiently.

Crews will also upgrade pedestrian facilities near the site, with new concrete footpaths connecting to schools and bus stops.

Some turning movements at intersections will also be changed, with right turns onto the Western Arterial from Kamerunga Rd and Hythe St removed.

A U-turn will be installed at the Harley St intersection to lessen the impact.