Travel times may grow now but should ease later
THE morning commute into Cairns from the northern suburbs and beaches is notorious for slow stop-start traffic stretching out driving times, but the latest cause of delays comes from work to help ease the pain.
Drivers travelling into Cairns are currently funnelled through traffic bollards as roadworks shift across the width of the road, with the project expected to be completed mid-2023.
Roadworks have been ongoing since January on the stretch of Sheridan St between Airport Ave and James St to install a third lane for inbound traffic from Moffat to Lily streets.
It was estimated when works began late January that it would be completed within a couple months.
However, a Transport and Main Roads spokesman now says completion is expected mid-2023, weather permitting.
“The works include the permanent closure of the centre median on Sheridan St at
the Rutherford St intersection and the extension of the centre median at the Collins St intersection,” the spokesman said.
“Rutherford St will become a left in left out intersection.”
“Our guidelines do not allow for right hand turns across three lanes unless the intersection is signalised.
“Removal of vegetation in
the centre is complete and additional vegetation may need to be removed as part of future works in this area.”
The works to permanently close the centre median are expected to begin on March 30, during which time Sheridan St will remain at two lanes during the day, with traffic control in place.
The additional lane is expected to improve traffic flow
for southbound traffic on this section of the highway, particularly during the morning peak.
The upgrade being carried out by Cairns-based civil construction company Koppens Developments was expected to support jobs and 800 trainee hours and is part of an initial package of works for the $359m Captain Cook Highway (Cairns CBD to Smithfield)
upgrade project, a jointly funded initiative by the federal and state governments.
The master plan also incorporates a two-way cycleway from Arnold St connecting to the shared pathway constructed as part of the Smithfield Bypass, providing improved access to the active transport wider network and for recreational activities along the corridor.