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Kuranda Range now cleared after another car rolls

A car has rolled on the Kuranda Range with authorities issuing an all-too familiar warning about long delays. APPALLING CRASH AND CLOSURE LIST

Kuranda Range truck crash

A CAR has rolled on the Kuranda Range with authorities issuing an all-too familiar warning about long delays.

Paramedics were called to the Macalister Range stretch of the Kennedy Highway at 9.15am on Monday.

The vehicle’s two occupants reportedly had no serious injuries – but that did not mean it would be a quick fix.

Queensland Traffic issued a warning for motorists to expect long delays.

Traffic jams at the bottom of the Kuranda Range Rd have become a far too familiar sight. Picture: Brendan Radke
Traffic jams at the bottom of the Kuranda Range Rd have become a far too familiar sight. Picture: Brendan Radke

The road was cleared by 10.58am.

The crash comes just after a proposal to widen the notorious route was put forward as the most cost-effective solution to ease the pain of Far North drivers.

Regional Development Australia Tropical North chairman David Kempton said widening the existing Kuranda Range Road may be the most cost-effective medium-term way to Fix Our Broken Link.

A tree falls on the Kuranda Range earlier this month. The road block occurred near the Henry Ross Lookout on the Kennedy Highway at MacAlistair Range.
A tree falls on the Kuranda Range earlier this month. The road block occurred near the Henry Ross Lookout on the Kennedy Highway at MacAlistair Range.

“We can’t base the need for an upgrade off cars travelling per day because this is an issue of freight movement and safety,” he said.

“Every proposal has its problems but we should be looking at the most cost efficient solution that ensures safety, otherwise the government will sit back and say we don’t need an upgrade based on money and traffic flow.”

This latest closure is just the most recent in a long line of recent infuriating issues for the road.

Recent Kuranda Range shutdowns

Saturday, March 5

The range is shut for hours after a large tree falls across the road near Henry Ross Lookout. Motorists report sitting in their cars for more than two hours while authorities work to clear the tree.

Tuesday, March 1

A single-vehicle crash causes a closure with all directions affected.

Sunday, February 20

Paramedics assess a patient after a single vehicle rollover on the Kennedy Highway at Kuranda. The patient declines hospital treatment.

Monday, February 14

All lanes are shut after a single-vehicle crash at about 1am.

Thursday, February 10

Hazards on the road prompt an “adverse driving conditions” warning for both lanes.

Monday, February 7

Debris on the road blocks the eastbound lane but is cleared within about half an hour.

Thursday, February 3

Debris on the road causes lane closures.

Wednesday, February 2

A truck rollover causes a massive traffic headache on the Kuranda Range, with authorities taking about nine hours to clear the road.

Earlier that day, there was also a warning of debris on the road affecting eastbound lanes towards Smithfield.

chris.calcino@news.com.au

Originally published as Kuranda Range now cleared after another car rolls

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/cairns/kuranda-range-crash-car-rolls-on-kennedy-highway-amid-calls-for-road-upgrade/news-story/d9090bd3bbd8ab27bb33acd7626c7f11