Southbound lanes open to motorists as E2G powers on

A key upgrade to a major Far North arterial road has hit a new milestone, as work powers on. Read what differences motorists can expect to see.

Motorists south of Cairns are in for a smoother ride, with traffic switching onto the newly constructed southbound lanes of a major highway upgrade as work begins on the northbound section of the project.

The switch occurred on Wednesday morning, moving traffic from the old northbound lanes to the new southbound lanes between south of Draper Rd and Mackey Creek, marking a major milestone in the Edmonton to Gordonvale project.

Work will now start on the northbound lanes between Gabay Gubudala pedestrian overpass and Castlereagh Street, Gordonvale.

Access through to Maher Road will remain closed during the works.

“The Edmonton to Gordonvale project will not only deliver significant safety improvements

along the busiest two-lane section of the Bruce Highway between Brisbane and Cairns, but

also reduce travel times,” Transport and main Road Minister Mark Bailey said.

“This is Far North Queensland’s largest infrastructure project, and the opening of these new

lanes will deliver a taste of what’s to come for the 20,000 motorists who travel this section of

the Bruce Highway every day.”

Project construction began in May 2020 and is expected to be completed in mid-2023.

Southbound lanes of the Bruce Highway are now open to traffic between Edmonton and Gordonvale

Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said it was great to see the project progressing on time, and on budget.

 “The Bruce Highway duplication will unlock the southern corridor and pave the way for

further housing developments to accommodate population growth,” he said. 

 “We want people to be able to work close to where they live, and this project will ensure

motorists can arrive at their destination safely and quickly.

“Not only will it improve travel in Far North Queensland, 460 local jobs will be supported over the life of the project.”

The Edmonton to Gordonvale project is part of $1.6b worth of road and transport infrastructure projects across Far North Queensland over the next four years.

Originally published as Southbound lanes open to motorists as E2G powers on