TMR releases Cairns Transport Study

Cairns road users and cyclists have been invited to have their say on traffic bugbears, safety concerns and how the network can be improved through a new interactive online portal.

After four years and $164 million, the Smithfield Bypass opened to traffic in November 2021. Simone Ratti commutes from Edge Hill to Smithfield for work and was overjoyed at the time that the bypass is finally opening. Picture: Brendan Radke

Cairns road users and cyclists have been invited to have their say on traffic bugbears, safety concerns and how the network can be improved through a new interactive online portal.

The Cairns Transport Study is being jointly developed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Cairns Regional Council, which will take into account new traffic trends to deliver sustainable, efficient, equitable and affordable transport outcomes.

The project will develop a strategy that sets out priorities for developing Cairns city’s transport system to support council’s Towards 2050: Shaping Cairns Growth Strategy.

The study will consider future trends and challenges to support Cairns Regional Council's to support CRC's Towards 2050: Shaping Cairns Growth Strategy. Picture: TMR

Anyone can create an account, choose a point on the map and add comments to then be considered by authorities.

Cairns Bicycle User Group convener Brynn Mathews believed the single biggest block to improved driver and cyclist outcomes was the delineation of state and council controlled roads.

“There’s a disconnect, it’s a silo mentality (that says) ‘we look after our road and (council) looks after the rest’,” he said.

“What we would like to see is to put all the money on the table and to come up with the best option regardless of whether the road is state or council controlled.”

Cairns Bicycle User Group convener Brynn Mathews. PICTURE: ANNA ROGERS

A case in point was the planned upgrade of Sheridan St between Upward and Florence Sts, where Mr Mathews said street parking outside businesses would be removed in preference of a cycleway, when McLeod St presented better access into the CBD.

“We said McLeod St is a better option but it’s not a state controlled road,” he said.

“What we’re looking for is a network that has connectivity so it all links up and takes you to where you want to go, continuity so that you can ride your bike on paths all the way, and standard of construction consistency.”

The $535 million Bruce Highway, Cairns Southern Access Corridor (Stage 3), Edmonton to Gordonvale Project on the Bruce Highway opened to motorists on June 7 last year. Picture: Supplied

To date submissions through the survey have suggested public transport access to the Cairns Airport, improved suburban pathways, driver input to improve intersections and a suggestion that motorists be corralled into using major trunk routes rather than rat-running through suburban streets.

Using the existing rail corridor to create a commuter network linking Gordonvale and Freshwater and replacement of Captain Cook Highway roundabouts with flyovers was also raised.

Feedback collected by TMR will be used to develop a strategic vision and identify priorities for creating a better Cairns transport system.

Submissions through the Cairns Transport Study close on March 29, 2024.

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Originally published as TMR releases Cairns Transport Study