A study to investigate transport routes between Cairns and the Northern Tablelands has been released by the Queensland Government, to assist in future planning for the region.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads has completed a comprehensive planning study into the four transport corridors linking Cairns to the Northern Tablelands.
Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said the $1.6 million planning study identified current transport issues in the region, future needs and suggested solutions.
“Our research found that 93 per cent of trips on Kuranda Range Road, are within two minutes of the expected travel time, which is 12 minutes from top of the range to Smithfield,” he said.
Crawford said the strategy set out the next steps for a long-term alternative route, once capacity of the existing roads would be reached.
“The main challenges identified in the planning study relate to network resilience, travel reliability and freight access,” he said.
“The access strategy provides 59 recommendations to respond to these challenges, which include safety and resilience upgrades aiming to reduce the frequency and duration of closures due to severe weather events and crashes.”
One such recommendation was the installation of an Intelligent Transport System, which early works have already been undertaken for the $30 million Intelligent Transport System upgrade on Kuranda Range in August.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the system would improve the safety and efficiency of the connection for motorists.
“This system will allow our teams to communicate real time travel information with drivers and improve reliability along the range,” Bailey said.
“The technology also facilitates variable speed limit signs, which are proven to reduce the number of rear-end casualty crashes and will integrate with new technology in the future.”
The planning did not recommend any immediate further investigations for major upgrades or new routes.
The Queensland Government is delivering nearly $1.8 billion in roads and transport infrastructure in the region over the next four years.
To access the strategy, click here.
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