The Cairns Ring Road would extend the Bruce Highway from its current terminus in the Cairns CBD to the intersection of the Captain Cook and Kennedy Highways at Smithfield. This would create a ring road around Cairns, with the Western Arterial Road connecting to the Bruce Highway at Smithfield and Cairns.
The Federal Government identified Stage One early works for the Captain Cook Highway project to include upgrades between James Street and Airport Avenue. Planning is currently underway for the section, which will be followed by detailed design and work to progress master planning for the entire route between the Cairns CBD and Smithfield.
Key Dates
| Apr 2019 | Project Announcement |
| Sep 2021 | Expected Construction Commencement |
Funding contributions
| Federal Government | |
| Queensland Government |
Procurement
| Procuring Agency: | Department of Transport and Main Roads |
PROJECT HISTORY
| Apr 2019 | The Federal Government announced $287 million in funding for the project. |
| Jul 2020 | The Federal Government announced that the section of the Captain Cook Highway from the Cairns CBD to Smithfield was added to the National Land Transport Network, effective 1 July 2020. The government also identified Stage One early works for the Captain Cook Highway project to include upgrades between James Street and Airport Avenue. Planning is currently underway for the section, which will be followed by detailed design and work to progress master planning for the entire route between the Cairns CBD and Smithfield. |
| Jan 2023 | The Queensland Government has released the preliminary master plan for the Captain Cook Highway - Cairns CBD to Smithfield for public consultation, closing 28th February. |
Estimated Total Cost
(2019)
Sector
Road
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
Queensland |
National |
Infrastructure Australia status
Priority Initiative (near-term, 0-5 years)
Resources
