Kuranda locals relieved Barron River bridge bottleneck days are over

The reopening of two lanes on a Far North bridge plagued by problems and delays is good news for commuters and businesses - for now. HAVE YOUR SAY

KURANDA locals are breathing a big sigh of relief with the Barron River Bridge opening to two lanes on Wednesday after being reduced to a one-lane bottleneck for a year.

Residents and business owners say their own commute to and from Cairns will be vastly improved, but they’re not sure if it will have a big impact on business in the rainforest village because many tourists come via Skyrail or the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

The Cairns Post has campaigned throughout the year on the issue, repeatedly asking why there were long delays, whether the bridge was safe, and what the extent of required repairs was.

Resident Tom Bice said the reopened route would be safer.

“I won’t feel pressured with cars behind me, a whole train of cars. But they could have had it open the whole time, except when they were working on it,” he said.

Momo Ishikawa, of the Butterfly Shop and Cafe at Kuranda, is among locals and business owners delighted the Barron River Bridge will have both lanes open after a year-long wait. Picture: Bronwyn Farr

Butterfly Shop and cafe owner Yayoi Brooks was excited.

“We are definitely happy and I hope it helps business, especially once the borders are open,” she said.

Sally Coning of the Australian Bush Store said it was a “fabulous” development.

“I try not to go down the hill too much, but every time I drive down there I’m very lucky if I get a green light - the wait has been trying,” she said.

“We are all relieved, I am sure.”

Ric Steininger, who has a Fine Photography Art Gallery in Kuranda, said there had been times when traffic was backed up for more than a kilometre.

“It will be awesome not having to stop for 10 or 15 minutes each way,” Mr Steininger said.

However, the reopening might not signal the end of problems with the bridge.

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Barron River MP Craig Crawford said authorities would continue to keep a close eye on the bridge through a detailed inspection and monitoring program to ensure the structure remains safe.

“We are also investigating a long-term solution for the ageing bridge,” he said.

A $2.1 million planning project to investigate future options at the bridge has begun.

Control measures including speed limits and changes for pedestrians are also in place now the bridge has reopened to two lanes.

The 50.5 tonne load limit will remain and there will be a 60km/h speed limit.

The 80km/h section that starts near Rainforestation will become 60km/h.

Federal MP for Kennedy Bob Katter is still pushing for “a new superfast highway known as the Bridle Track”, saying the Kennedy Highway from Cairns to Kuranda was inadequate regardless of the bridge.

“The 50 tonne load limit stops any serious industrial or agricultural development in the Cairns Hinterland because we simply can’t get our product out through a nearby port,” Mr Katter said.

“We want to open up the mining and agricultural potential in the Cairns Hinterland that is being restricted by the current road situation.”

He is proposing 15km of highway and a tunnel from Davies Creek to the Cairns CBD.

Originally published as Kuranda locals relieved Barron River bridge bottleneck days are over