Smithfield bypass tenders awarded to Highway Construction-Albem Operations

THE $152 million Smithfield bypass is now signed, sealed and about to be delivered.

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THE $152 million Smithfield bypass is now signed, sealed and about to be delivered.

Highway Construction-Albem Operations has won a lucrative contract to build the 3.8km detour around Smithfield with crews ready to start work before the year’s end.

The joint venture was responsible for completing the $34.2 million Bill Fulton Bridge duplication in Redlynch last year, and has won the Smithfield contract over a bid led by national construction firm Seymour Whyte.

Barron River MP Craig Crawford said there was no question over the project’s approval, with Building Queensland completing its detailed business case last year.

“It is well and truly through all that,” he said.

“That all has to be ticked off otherwise we wouldn’t be awarding the contract.”

Mr Crawford said the successful firm was finalising designs with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to “deliver additional functionality and efficiency”.

Residents will have to wait to learn what those bells and whistles might be, amid speculation an overpass might replace traffic lights at the Yorkeys Knob turn-off if costings came under budget.

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford. Picture: BRENDAN RADKE

“Main Roads still has the ability to work with the winning contractor to tinker with some of those things,” Mr Crawford said.

The Cairns Post’s Your Say on the Far North Reader Survey revealed 59 per cent believed the State Government had the bypass plan correct.

“It’s good news – the next major step in the bypass,” Mr Crawford said. “This proves it was always funded and there was never any doubt about this being in the budget.”

As part of the tender process, contractors had to demonstrate a commitment to employing local workers and using local suppliers.

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“I am pleased to see these important works awarded to a business that will support local families,” Mr Crawford said.

The bypass is one of three significant road projects about to get under way. Work to add two lanes to the Bruce Highway between Kate St (recently renamed Links Dr) and Aumuller St starts next month.

The highway’s Edmonton-to-Gordonvale duplication is scheduled to get under way late next year.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said drivers would notice a reduction in travel time once the project was finished.

“During its construction, the Smithfield Bypass project will support 115 full-time jobs,” he said. “By directing through traffic on to the new bypass road, motorists can expect to see improved traffic conditions and less congestion.”

Initial construction work will start in the coming months, with the road due to open in late-2020.

Originally published as Smithfield bypass tenders awarded to Highway Construction-Albem Operations