Roadworks launch on Sheridan St to ease traffic flow

An initial package of works on a major city thoroughfare has begun, with the aim of easing traffic in the peak hours of the morning. Find out more.

Roadworks have started on a third southbound lane on Sheridan Street at Cairns North in a bid to improve for traffic flow for thousands of commuters during the morning rush hour.

The upgrade carried out by Cairns-based civil construction company Koppens Developments is expected to support jobs and 800 trainee hours and is part of an initial package of works for the $359m Captain Cook Highway (Cairns CBD to Smithfield) upgrade project, a jointly funded initiative by the national and state government.

It is estimated construction will take a couple of months, with the majority of work to be completed at night.

Koppens project manager Mathew Payne said the company was proud to undertake the project.

“About 50 jobs, including labourers and subcontractors, will be supported through the current package of works,” Mr Payne said.

“Motorists can expect some activity on Sheridan Street in coming months as we undertake these important upgrades.”

Inbound congestion on the Captain Cook Highway (Sheridan Street) between Arthur Street and Rutherford Street. Picture: Supplied

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the project will be an excellent training ground for workers, who will be receive on the job experience.

“The Queensland Government is proud to invest in our workers and support local jobs,” Mr Bailey said.

“This project will be delivered by locals, for locals, with at least 50 positions to be supported during the works.”

Sheridan Street would remain open to two lanes during the day but traffic changes and occasional lane closures were to be expected, with night works to be undertaken as required to reduce impact on motorists, Mr Bailey said.

“Works will primarily be on the southbound carriageway with some minor works affecting the northbound carriageway at times,” he said.

“For the safety of our road workers it is important for road users to drive to conditions and obey the direction of traffic controllers and roadwork signs.”

The public is being asked to provide feedback on the newly released preliminary master plan for upgrades on the Captain Cook Highway between the Cairns CBD and Smithfield. Picture: TMR.

Cairns MP Michael Healy said the extra lane was a fantastic measure to ease traffic for those coming into the city from the North.

“As our city and airport grow, this extra lane will help ease congestion in this area and improve travelling time,” Mr Healy said.

The Captain Cook Highway (Cairns CBD to Smithfield) upgrade also includes a Stage 1 priority project on Sheridan Street, between Florence Street and Aeroglen.

Traffic on the roads is a major issue for those coming into the city from the North. Picture: Supplied

Master planning for the full highway upgrade is expected to be completed mid-to-late 2023 with an average of 387 direct jobs to be supported over the lifetime of the project, according to the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

“It’s great to see the first part of a $359 million package of works for the Captain Cook Highway getting underway,” Barron River MP Craig Crawford said.

“The masterplan is expected to be finished later this year and will help map out the rest of the upgrades.”

Originally published as Roadworks launch on Sheridan St to ease traffic flow