Speculation on whether the main entrance to Port Douglas will be upgraded to a roundabout or traffic lights is far too early to confirm, with the findings of a safety audit yet to be released.

Debate over whether the intersection requires significant upgrading has raged since a serious traffic accident occurred at the notorious intersection in July, in which two cars collided resulting in a French woman being airlifted from the accident site to Cairns Base Hospital with serious injuries.

Member for Cook, Jason O’Brien, says only minor alterations may even be made, such as changes to signage and road markings, depending on the findings of the Main Roads Department safety audit due in two weeks time.

“Those results, which will include the findings on that recent accident, may come up with a range of options,” Mr O’Brien told The Newsport.

“That may be to do nothing, increase signage or road markings, or install a roundabout or traffic lights, but it is far too early to jump to conclusions.”

Mr O’Brien conceded that while there were arguments for and against a roundabout at the intersection, simple treatments for the intersection may be recommended based on the accident history of other Captain Cook Highway roundabouts.

“Other roundabouts on Captain Cook Highway have a high accident history, particularly in the wet season,” Mr O’Brien said.

“That’s why the speed limit on those roundabouts has been reduced to 60km/hr in the past 12 months or so, as well as resurfacing of roundabouts at Smithfield and Caravonica to increase traction.

“If the findings show that a roundabout is the best option for the Port Douglas intersection, private land would have to be reclaimed and light poles would have to be moved, which is a costly exercise.

“And certainly no funding has been secured for either a roundabout or lights as yet.”

Mr O’Brien said while there was no budgetary allowance for the intersection at this stage, he would be urging the Main Roads Department to release the results of the audit.

“If the audit says heavy engineering is required (the installation of a roundabout or traffic lights) then I will lobby the State Government to secure that funding,” he said.

“However, the State Government has already spent a lot of money on the recent upgrades of the Captain Cook Highway, as we can see with slope stability works at Yule Point and Ellis Beach, and the safety barriers installed along sections of the highway.”