Multiple road problems on Captain Cook Highway at Oak Beach

More than a week after an unprecedented deluge smashed the Far North, road crews are working on stupendously large boulders blocking the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas. SEE THE PICTURES

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has its work cut out clearing a gigantic boulder that is one of several reasons the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas is closed.

A giant problem: the boulder blocking the Captain Cook Highway north of Rex Lookout. Picture: TMR

But images from the scene show the teams are making progress.

TMR crews are breaking up the monster boulder that fell on the Captain Cook Highway near Rex Lookout between Cairns and Port Douglas. Picture: Supplied

Multiple roads were cut – or completely collapsed or washed away – following the record flood but most have now been reopened.

TMR crews are making rapid progress on problems closing the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas. Picture: TMR

A TMR spokesman said the boulder at Oak Beach took a day to break up.

One of multiple problems the TMR is dealing with on the Captain Cook Highway between Port Douglas and Cairns. Picture: TMR

“This is just one step in the works required to reopen the section of Captain Cook Highway between Buchan Point and Oak Beach,” he said.

Damage to the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas. Picture: TMR

“The recovery works will require unavoidable long-term closures of this road to enable significant repairs.”

TMR work on the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas. Picture: TMR

Ellis Beach Bar and Grill owner Tom Hedley said he hoped to be able to re-open the venue around January 2.

“We are going hard,” he said.

“Our biggest problem is the car parks are full of rock, and obviously the landslides near the bar have to be cleared, but we should be ready at the end of next week,” he said.

Originally published as Multiple road problems on Captain Cook Highway at Oak Beach