The Federal Government has announced the preferred Stage 3 alignment for the Cairns Southern Access Corridor on the Bruce Highway.
The preferred alignment for the 10-km duplication between Edmonton and Gordonvale has been released, signaling the next stage in the wider road upgrade.
The $481 million duplication is aimed at improving traffic flow and road safety while catering for future population growth and increasing demand on the road network.
Queensland Treasurer and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt MP said the upgrade of the southern transport corridor was part of the Cairns Bruce Highway Master Plan.
“The Cairns Bruce Highway Upgrade Master Plan released in 2010, detailed the alignment of the Bruce Highway from Draper Street, near the Cairns City Centre, to Wrights Creek, south of Edmonton,” Mr. Pitt said.
“This proposed alignment between Edmonton and Gordonvale will be an extension of the work already completed. Reduced traffic delays are already being experienced following completion of Stage 1 of the Cairns Bruce Highway Upgrade to the Cairns Southern Access, between Sheehy Road and Ray Jones Drive.”
The Australian Government has committed up to $384.8 million towards the $481 million project, with the Queensland Government providing the remaining $96.2 million.