Cairns Bruce Highway Upgrade master plan
The Cairns Bruce Highway Upgrade master plan was released in 2010. It was the result of a planning study that investigated long term, multi-modal transport planning options to address the impacts of urban growth, congestion and traffic accidents.
The master plan feeds into the Cairns Transit Network project, which is planning for the future with a fast, reliable and sustainable public transport system that will connect the major communities in Cairns. Together, these projects will keep the city of Cairns moving into the future.
The Cairns Bruce Highway Upgrade master plan was developed as part of the planning study to upgrade priority sections of the Bruce Highway between Sheehy Road and Ray Jones Drive. This $5.35 million planning study was part of the $38 million Urban Congestion Program, which was jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments.
The master plan set the framework for an upgrade between Sheehy Road and Ray Jones Drive and between Robert Road and Foster Road.
The master plan provides the long-term upgrade strategy for the Bruce Highway from Wrights Creek, south of Edmonton to Draper Street, near the Cairns city centre and has considered urban growth within the southern corridor over the next 30 years.
Benefits
- Improves safety
- Increases capacity
- Improves network efficiency
- Increases traffic flow
- Reduces peak hour congestion
- Better road access
- Reduces travel time
- Contributes to economy
- Contributes to regional growth
- Better active transport
- Improves ride quality
Key features
- Improved safety.
- Improved traffic flow.
- Reduced congestion.
- Enhanced access for users of the transport corridor in the coming decades.
Funding
Under the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, the Australian and Queensland Government are continuing to invest in safety, flood resilience and capacity upgrades along the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Cairns.
Stage 5: Foster Road, upgrade intersection
Funding of $225 million has been committed for construction. The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments on a 80:20 basis. QTRIP Investment ID 1176520
Stage 4: Kate Street to Aumuller Street
Funding of $123.7 million. Construction completed in 2021. The project was jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments on a 80:20 basis. QTRIP Investment ID 384407
Stage 3: Edmonton to Gordonvale
Funding of $535 million. Construction completed in December 2023. The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments on an 80:20 basis. QTRIP Investment ID 383276
Stage 2: Robert Road to Foster Road
Funding of $58 million. Construction completed in 2017. The project was jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments on an 80:20 basis. QTRIP Investment ID 11737
Stage 1: Sheehy Road to Kate Street
Funding of $150 million. Construction completed in 2014. The project was jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments on a 80:20 basis. QTRIP Investment ID 8986
The $5.35 million planning study formed part of the $38 million Urban Congestion Program which was jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments.
Cairns Southern Access Cycleway
A new off-road cycleway next to the Bruce Highway is being delivered consistent with the master plan, funded by project savings.
The project will connect to new cycleways built or already constructed as part of Stage 3 and Stage 4.
Current status
Construction has been completed on stages 3 (Edmonton to Gordonvale) and 4 (Kate street to Aumuller Street).
Planning has commenced on Stage 5 (Foster Road, upgrade intersection).
Key plan
