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The $481 million Bruce Highway, Cairns Southern Access (stage 3) Edmonton to Gordonvale (E2G) project will move up a gear with traffic set to be diverted to a new service road allowing for duplication works.
From Wednesday (29 June 2022), motorists will travel on the new, northbound lanes between Mackey Creek and Maitland Road, and on the new service road, Djarragun Way, weather permitting.
The diversion will enable the construction of the new duplicated Bruce Highway.
In the lead-up to this milestone, contractor HSA Group has also delivered several smaller works.
These include:
- The extension to Stanley Street between Draper Road and Grey Street
- The permanent closure to the Bruce Highway from Castlereagh Street and Hall Road
- The reinstatement of the new Littles Road and its connection to the realigned Pine Creek - Yarrabah Road.
The E2G project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on an 80:20 basis.
Construction began in May 2020, and is expected to be completed in mid 2023, weather and construction conditions permitting.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"The Edmonton to Gordonvale project will improve safety and connectivity on the Bruce Highway and future-proof the Cairns Southern Access Corridor for decades to come.
"This is Far North Queensland's largest infrastructure project, and the opening of these roads will deliver a taste of what's to come for the 20,000 motorists who travel this section of the Bruce Highway every day.
"The Australian Government is proud to be working with the Queensland Government to deliver this project that supports rural and regional Australia, providing a total transport solution for the people of North Queensland."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:
"This landmark project is just another example of the Palaszczuk Government backing the Bruce, as part of our record $29.7 billion road and transport plan.
"Building on the recent traffic switch between Riverstone and Draper Roads, we'll soon see locals drive on the section between Mackey Creek and Maitland Road, and on the new service road, Djarragun Way.
"The Edmonton to Gordonvale project will not only deliver significant safety improvements along the busiest two-lane section of the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Cairns, but also get locals home safer and sooner."
Quotes attributable to Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt:
"This is the largest infrastructure project undertaken in Far North Queensland, and motorists are starting to be able to see how the finished highway will make a real difference to their daily commute.
"Next up, we'll see upgrades to the local road network take place over the coming months, including new culverts, safe fish passage structures and the restoration of Mackey Creek.
"The new, 10 kilometre Djarragun Way is a key feature of the Edmonton to Gordonvale project and it's opening is an achievement to celebrate.
"These local road upgrades are important in maintaining access for residents, and help to reduce the number of short, local trips on this section of the Bruce Highway.
"This is a big win for the Bruce Highway and an even bigger win for residents in the growth corridor south of Cairns."
