Esplanade evolution
$28m overhaul powers ahead
BIG traffic and parking changes are coming to the Cairns Esplanade in just a matter of days as work surges ahead on a $28 million redevelopment.
The waterside strip’s outdoor dining precinct is getting an overhaul but the road will be open to participants in the Ironman triathlon this weekend.
Crucial traffic changes along the Esplanade will remain in place from Monday until December, including the stretch between Spence and Shields streets becoming a two-way road with a U-turn facility outside the Mantra Esplanade Cairns hotel.
Cars will no longer be able to access Shields St from the Esplanade and traffic lights at the intersection of Spence St and the Esplanade will be modified to allow southbound traffic movements.
Sixteen regulated parallel parking spaces will be made available opposite the Mantra Esplanade Cairns hotel.
The Esplanade still remains closed to traffic from Shields St to Aplin St as construction crews get down to work over the coming weeks.
Cairns Regional Council acting infrastructure services general manager
Anton Mac Suibhne said work along the dining precinct had been “meticulously planned” to work in co-ordination with this weekend’s Ironman event — and to ensure construction continued immediately in its wake.
“The essential works on the Esplanade, from the Shields St corner to Aplin St, were undertaken as part of the $28 million redevelopment,” he explained.
“Works included ‘potholing’, which is used to obtain information on underground utilities and for the installation of upgraded drainage and electrical systems.
“There was limited cutting into the road surface so that it was easier for council to ensure the road surface was of an appropriate standard for the staging of the Ironman event.
“Ensuring that the event could proceed was factored into the scope of the project, which is continuing in a timely manner and remains on budget.”
The council this week approved the full budget for the Esplanade overhaul, including wider footpaths, extended outdoor dining areas, higher awnings, new lighting and a major tropical landscaping project.