Capt Cook Highway delays until 22 December
Highway Delays
Motorists travelling between Cairns and Port Douglas can expect delays of up to 20 minutes each way on the Captain Cook Highway near Oak Beach, with road works starting today, Monday 5 December.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has started slope stabilisation works at two locations on the Highway south of Oak Beach – scheduled to be in progress for about three weeks.
Crews will be onsite Mondays to Saturdays between 6am and 6pm. Several intermittent, full closures will be required at times after 9am to carry out drilling, vegetation removal, and to move machinery.
A TMR spokesman said road users should expect delays of up to twenty minutes during this time and should plan their journey accordingly. He said the contractor will monitor queuing lengths and allow traffic through as soon as it is safe.
The project is aimed at improving safety for road users by reinforcing the slopes right next to the Highway, reducing the risk of rocks falling onto the road surface, and mitigating the effects of embankment erosion.
The works will involve removing rocks and debris, rock bolting, and installation of netting.
There will be changed traffic conditions during the works – temporary speed limit reductions will be in place and just one lane will be in operation under the coordination of traffic controllers.
Variable Message Signs will be in place on the approaches to the work site to ensure motorists are aware of the changed traffic conditions. Changes in dates due to poor weather will be posted on the signs.
The project is expected to be completed by 22 December, depending on construction and weather conditions.
For more information about the works, please contact the department on 4045 7144 or via email cairns.office@tmr.qld.gov.au.