New Barron River bridge set to receive $245m state funding to match federal contribution

The LNP has guaranteed a new Barron River bridge will be built, revealing how much it’s pouring into the project ahead of next week’s state budget.

The LNP has guaranteed a new Barron River bridge will be built with the $245m investment to be included in the state budget, delivering safer and more reliable transport between Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands.

The funding matches the federal government’s commitment announced in April with the new $490m project to be built downstream of the existing bridge.

The critical structure will include a separated pedestrian and cycling path, enhanced safety features, and a turnaround facility on the Kennedy Highway, delivering accessibility for businesses, freight operators and community members across Far North Queensland.

Transport minister Brent Mickelberg said the investment was about delivering the infrastructure the region had been crying out for.

A new Barron River bridge will be built downstream of the current structure. Picture: TMR

“This commitment cements full funding for the project and will allow detailed design and pre-construction works to begin,” Mr Mickelberg said.

“This is generational infrastructure that will serve the Far North for decades to come.”

Member for Barron River Bree James said the funding commitment was a hard-fought victory for her community.

“This bridge is more than infrastructure — it’s a lifeline for our communities, and we’re proud to be finally making it a reality for our region,” Ms James said.

Barron River MP Bree James and Cook MP David Kempton as candidates during the campaign advertising their position on the bridge. Picture: Supplied

“I fought hard for this before the election, and I haven’t stopped since I was elected as Member for Barron River. We promised we’d deliver, and today we’re doing just that for the people of this region.”

With both state and federal funding now secured, the project will move into detailed design and approvals, with construction to follow, Member for Cook David Kempton said.

“This bridge is a vital link for access for education, medical and other essential services as well as the movement of freight and goods, for the Tablelands residents, businesses and of course tourism,” Mr Kempton said.

“It’ll have a long-lasting and widely felt positive impact.”

The bridge has been the subject of a number of studies since 2015 with concerns of its structural integrity tested by increasing traffic including a rise in the number of trucks. Picture: Brendan Radke

The bridge has been the subject of a number of studies since 2015 with concerns of its structural integrity tested by increasing traffic including a rise in the number of trucks.

Over the last five years motorists travelling across the ageing structure have been frustrated with sporadic changes to traffic conditions including weight limits, reductions to single-lane use and complete closures, so crews could either study, or undertake temporary repairs to the bridge which opened in 1963.

Treasurer David Janetzki will deliver the state government’s budget next Tuesday.

Originally published as New Barron River bridge set to receive $245m state funding to match federal contribution