The southern commute into Cairns just got quicker with the $123.7 million Bruce Highway – Cairns Southern Access Corridor – Stage 4: Kate Street to Aumuller Street (K2A) project now open.
Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Infrastructure Transport and Regional Development Minister Barnaby Joyce said for the first time since August 2018, the barriers and bollards have come down to reveal a new, six-lane stretch of the Bruce Highway between Links Drive (formerly Kate Street) and Aumuller Street.
"The completion of the K2A project is a significant achievement for Far North Queensland," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch's advocacy continues to help deliver significant infrastructure investment for the Cairns region, including a $180 million federal commitment for the next stage of the Southern Access Corridor.
"Warren's championing of the Far North is relentless, and this achievement is yet another example of the Federal Government's $110 billion nationwide infrastructure plan helping drive Australia's world-leading economic recovery."
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the new 2.6-kilometre section was supported by a new, three-lane, inbound bridge at Chinaman Creek and widened, three-lane, outbound bridge.
"The K2A project includes intersection upgrades for Lyons Street and Aumuller Street while the intersection at Kenny Street and Draper Street has been upgraded to a signalised intersection," Mr Bailey said.
"An off-road shared pathway has been completed as part of the project which will provide commuters with more active transport choices.
"Local businesses will find that this project will pay dividends with increased traffic flow past the commercial outlets in the area.
"And there are more key projects like this being delivered across the region through the Palaszczuk Government's $27.5 billion, four-year roads and transport investment plan to support 24,000 jobs.
"It's a commitment which will deliver more key infrastructure across the far north and drive Queensland's Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan."
Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said the K2A project would support the growth of the Cairns region for years to come.
"The project has been completed on schedule and will reduce travel times, increase traffic flow with improved safety along this vital section," Mr Entsch said.
"Whether it's the planned Captain Cook Highway upgrades, Cairns Western Arterial Road Duplication or our $180 million commitment for the future Stage 5 of the Cairns Southern Access Corridor, completing the K2A project is just the latest step in securing the transport infrastructure the Cairns region needs and deserves."
State Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the Palaszczuk Government is in the midst of delivering an infrastructure boom to Far North Queensland.
"To the north of Cairns, the $164 million Smithfield Bypass is getting closer to completion," Mr Healy said.
"South of Cairns, work is well underway on the $481 million Bruce Highway upgrade between Edmonton and Gordonvale.
"There's extensive planning happening on the $300 million Cairns Western Arterial Road, and early works will start later this year on the $359 million Cairns Ring Road."
The $123.7 million K2A project was jointly funded by the Australian Government ($98.96 million) and Queensland Government ($24.74 million).
It forms part of the 15-year Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, a $13 billion program of works jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments to improve safety, flood resilience and capacity from Brisbane to Cairns.
For up-to-date information on roadworks and other traffic information, call 13 19 40, visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or download the app.
