Airport Avenue to James Street

WORK started on a third southbound lane on Sheridan Street between Airport Avenue and Lily Street, supporting dozens of local jobs and hundreds of trainee hours.

The upgrade will improve traffic flow for southbound traffic on this section, particularly in the morning peak.

Once complete, parking and stopping will not be permitted on this section of Sheridan Street at any time.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the extra lane would ease traffic.

“It’s going to be fantastic to have an extra lane added along Sheridan Street as people come into the city from the North,” Mr Healy said.

“We know as our city and airport grow, this extra lane will help ease congestion in this area and improve travelling time.

“This project will be delivered by locals, for locals, with at least 50 positions to be supported during the works.

“Koppens Development is a Cairns business with a long and proven history in the region, so it’s great to see them delivering this package of works.”

The works will be carried out by Koppens Developments, supporting about 50 jobs and 800 trainee hours.

Koppens’ Project Manager, Mathew Payne, said they were keen on delivering the project to the community.

“As a local civil and construction company with more than 80 years and experience in Cairns and the surrounding areas, we are proud of the work we do in the community,” Mr Payne said.

“Almost everyone involved in this project has a local presence. We have a strong relationship with businesses around town, and our preference is to use local, where possible.

“About 50 jobs, including labourers and sub-contractors, will be supported through this project.

“Motorists can expect some activity on Sheridan Street in coming months as we under- take these important upgrades. The majority of the work will be completed at night.”

These upgrades are an initial package of works for the Captain Cook Highway (Cairns CBD to Smithfield) upgrade project.

The $359 million Captain Cook Highway, Cairns CBD to Smithfield, Upgrade also includes a Stage 1 priority project on the section of Captain Cook Highway, locally known as Sheridan Street, between Florence Street and Aeroglen.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said they aimed to minimise the impact on motorists while works were in progress.

“The Palaszczuk Government will be delivering almost $1.6 billion worth of road and transport infrastructure projects across Far North Queensland over the next four years,” Mr Bailey said.

“Motorists should be aware there will be traffic changes as we carry out these works.

“Night works will be undertaken as required to reduce impacts on motorists, with occasional lane closures.

“During the day, Sheridan Street will remain open to two lanes.

“Works will primarily be on the southbound carriageway, with some minor works affecting the northbound carriageway at times.

“For the safety of our road workers, it is important for road users to drive to conditions and obey the direction of traffic controllers and roadwork signs,” he said. Master planning for the major project is expected to be completed in mid to late 2023.

The Cairns CBD to Smithfield upgrade is jointly funded, with the Australian Government contributing $287.2m and the Queensland Government contributing $71.8m. For more information, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/ projects/cairns-ring-roadcairns-cbd-to-smithfield or click http://bit.ly/3WUEuxh in our online edition.