The Albanese Government and the Miles Government have developed a strategy to improve safety on the Kennedy Highway between Smithfield and Kuranda, known locally as Kuranda Range Road.
The strategy aims to reduce the amount and length of unplanned closures of the road.
The two governments have committed $262.5 million to the Kuranda Range Road upgrade strategy with the Albanese Government investing $210 million and the Miles Government investing $52.5 million.
As part of the strategy, Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) – which led the work – is proposing several upgrades, including:
- A safe turn-around area, suitable for vehicles up to 19 metres, to provide an option to turn around and change travel plans in case Kuranda Range Road is unexpectedly closed.
- A concrete median barrier at the bend locally known as 'The Hairpin' to reduce the risk of head-on crashes.
- The installation of a further 10 Intelligent Transport Systems technology stations on Kuranda Range Road covering a further 5.5 kilometres. These stations provide real time information to Traffic Management Centre operators to detect hazards, and monitor changes in road conditions and traffic behaviour.
Other options in the strategy include additional guardrails, shoulder widening, centre line treatments, vegetation management and slope stability treatments.
TMR's priority on Kuranda Range Road is the long-term repair works of the sections that were damaged due to Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the associated monsoonal rainfall. These works are currently in design.
The recovery works are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, and is in addition to the Kuranda Range Road upgrade.
Safety and resilience works that require lane closures will start after completion of the recovery works to mitigate further disruptions to road users.
As stated by the Member for Barron River Craig Crawford:
"Kuranda Range Road is a vital lifeline to Cairns for everyone travelling to and from Kuranda, the Atherton Tablelands and beyond.
"Every road user wants it to be as safe and efficient as possible.
"Some other works may include guardrail, shoulder widening, centre line treatments, vegetation management and slope stability treatments.
"I'm assured that TMR's priority on Kuranda Range Road is the long-term repair works of the sections damaged by the massive flooding in post-Tropical Cyclone Jasper."
As stated by Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"The Kuranda Range is a key road in the transportation network of Far North Queensland.
"Our $210 million commitment along with the Queensland Government's $52.5 million will improve the travel experience up and down the range.
"Everyone has a role to play when it comes to safety on our roads, and I'd like thank road users for driving to conditions."
As stated by Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish:
"Tropical Cyclone Jasper has underlined the importance of safe and resilient roads that connect Cairns and the Tablelands.
"We have listened to road users and the Australian and Queensland governments have invested to make Kuranda Range Road safer and more resilient.
"While our focus is on the repair works, we are developing a program of treatments at strategic locations where they are most beneficial to reduce the incidence and duration of unplanned closures and to allow road users safe and reliable travel up and down the range."
As stated by Senator for Queensland Nita Green
"The Kuranda Range Road is a beautiful drive for tourists and locals alike, but many forget it's a key freight route between Cairns and the Tablelands.
"That's why this investment is so important.
"These upgrades will best equip us in the north to keep moving through whatever Mother Nature throws at us next."
The Kuranda Range Strategy is now live and can be found HERE.
