Everyone slogging their way through the roadworks on Port Douglas Road will be able to breathe a sigh of relief soon with the confirmation of a viable detour along Mahogany Street opening sometime this week. 

Douglas Shire Council mayor Julia Leu, who along with her staff negotiated the detour with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, said the route was expected to be opened by tomorrow or Thursday, weather permitting. 

“Since last week I have been negotiating with DTMR to provide the Mahogany St detour operational in time for the start of the school holidays,” Cr Leu said.  

“I have been advised by the A/Regional Manager today that due to good progress with the works, the detour is now achievable -  it is expected that a detour for northbound traffic may be able to be in place by Wednesday or Thursday this week.

The detour will allow a much improved flow of traffic in and out of Port Douglas, particularly over the School holiday period, and also allow the road works to be completed as per the DTMR schedule.

There will, of course, be a number of conditions, including a 5 tonne limit, ie heavy vehicles will have to remain on Port Douglas Road. Parking in Mahogany St and Davidson St will need to be temporarily restricted for the period of works. Other parking opportunities exist on Mahogany St adjacent to Ti Tree St and the trafficable grassed area on eastern side of Davidson St.

Council appreciates that business, residents and visitors have been inconvenienced by these road works. Prior notification to council of the detail of the road works may have helped alleviate some of the inconvenience caused. Council will be requesting DTMR adequately advise and consult with council staff on future road works so as to minimise the disruption that we have recently experienced”.