Road Conditons Alert-FNQ-Wangetti-Captain Cook Hwy-Works 15/5-22/7/24

Update from TMR Cairns Regional office 3/5/24

To expedite repairs on the Captain Cook Highway, a section between the Rex Lookout and Turtle Cove, Wangetti, will be closed to all traffic from Wednesday 15 May until Friday 22 July 2024 between 9pm and 4am, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Traffic will be let through the roadworks site from both ends at 11pm and 1.30am.

Full closures will occur on the nights of Sunday 19 May and Monday 20 May where the scope of works will mean traffic CANNOT be let through.

TMR anticipates further full closure dates may be required. The dates of full closures are dependent on progress of works, weather, materials supply, and construction conditions.

Works will be carried out to stabilise the slope at this location in preparation for permanent works.

Landslips occurred at this location following rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023.

Road closures are necessary due to the nature of the works, which will prevent further damage and ensure safety for road users.

TMR understand the importance of this vital route and these decisions have been made after engagement and consultation with community members.

Feedback from stakeholders has allowed us to arrange the scheduled traffic let throughs and to ensure that no night works will occur on the following dates:

·         Friday 24 May to Sunday 26 May – Road will remain open for Port Douglas Carnivale

·         Saturday 1 June

·         Saturday 8 June

·         Saturday 15 June – Road will remain open to allow access ahead of the Ironman event.

·         Sunday 16 June – Changed traffic conditions and closures will be in place. For more information on these see the Ironman website. Works will resume Monday 17 June.

·         Saturday 22 June

·         Saturday 29 June

·         Saturday 6 July

Following the works, the Captain Cook Highway will remain single lane at various locations until long-term repairs can be carried out.

Long-term solutions for repairs to the Captain Cook Highway are being investigated. TMR is prioritising the design, relevant approvals, and preparation of suitable construction methodologies for these recovery works.

The recovery works are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Variable Message signs (VMS) will be in place on the approaches to the work site prior to closures commencing to ensure motorists are aware of the changed traffic conditions. Changes in dates due to poor weather or construction conditions will be posted on the VMS.

For up-to-date information about the state-controlled road network, please check the QLDTraffic website or call 13 19 40.

Road users are also encouraged to subscribe to SMS traffic alerts for the Captain Cook Highway to be notified of changed traffic conditions or email cairns.office@tmr.qld.gov.au to request to be added to the Captain Cook Highway email database.

If you require further information about these works, please do not hesitate to contact me by email at cairns.office@tmr.qld.gov.au or by telephone on 4045 7144.