The Department of Transport and Main Roads has been criticised for starting roadworks in the Douglas region at the start of peak tourism season, but the organisation has said the project is necessary for safer roads.

Main Roads started the roadworks a 1.1 kilometre stretch of Port Douglas Road and a 660-metre stretch at Craiglie on Monday. 

On the Port Douglas Road site, traffic is being allowed to move away from town for five minutes at a time and three minutes at a time the opposite way. 

Many motorists are reporting being stuck waiting in queue at the site for up to twenty minutes.

Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree executive officer Tara Bennett said the roadworks were started just as the peak tourism period for the region began.

“Our peak season starts with the June holidays and usually runs until the end of the October school holidays,” she said. 

“[The roadworks] are going to cause delays for tours and extended pickup times at the resorts, so they will have to incorporate that into their planning, which is where we see the main impact.

“Obviously these works have to be done and they have come after major events we’ve had recently.”

TMR defended the project, with a spokesperson saying that its priority was ensuring roads were safe.

“Safety is our top priority, we also consider factors such as traffic volumes, noise and nearby facilities in traffic management plans,” the spokesperson said. 

The spokesperson also said noise concerns meant the works would be carried out in daytime, and not after hours like at sites such as the Smithfield roundabout.

“Daytime traffic volumes through [Douglas Shire] sites are significantly lower than the sites we are currently working on along the Captain Cook Highway near Cairns,” the spokesperson said.

“We are also mindful of keeping noise to a minimum through the sites, particularly at night, due to nearby accommodation facilities and residential properties. 

“We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate the community’s patience while these important works are carried out.”

The roadworks are expected to continue until at least the end of August and cost $2.27 million.