Today in Cairns: Broken-down truck blocks Kuranda Range
A broken-down truck disrupted traffic on the Kuranda Range today. Plus we have all the latest headlines, weather updates and events.
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G’day Far Northerners, here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening across the region today, Wednesday, September 8.
HEADLINES
Cairns man’s phone held footage of kids involved in sex acts
Why Cairns’ only KTM dealer is turning the throttle on bike sales
Prizes on offer for Far Northerners at Cairns mass vax hub
Huge Queensland Rail close to CBD set to sell by auction
Former Cairns councillor ordered to make misconduct admission
LATEST NEWS
Broken-down truck on range
A broken-down truck affected traffic on the Kuranda Range this morning, the Department of Transport and Main Roads advised.
The truck was above the Henry Ross Lookout and lanes are reduced outbound towards Kuranda.
Motorists were warned to expect delays.
The truck was cleared by 4pm.
WEATHER
It is expected to be partly cloudy today with a 40% chance of showers most likely to hit in at night. Cairns can expect a minimum of 20C and a maximum of 27C. Winds are expected to move south-easterly 25 to 40 km/h.
Around the region
Cairns: Possible shower 20-27C
Atherton: Possible shower 13-21C
Cardwell: Possible shower 19-26C
Cooktown: Partly cloudy 22-27C
Innisfail: Shower or two 20-25C
Mareeba: Partly cloudy 16-24C
TRAFFIC
Archer River/ Mission River
Sealing of 10.1km of the Peninsula Developmental Road including drainage provisions at Archer River and Mission River is expected to continue to December 24 2021 with works ongoing Monday to Sunday 6am to 6pm and delays are expected.
Barron/Smithfield/Yorkeys Knob
Construction of the Smithfield Bypass project, which is to be completed in December 2021, could result in some delays during active construction hours. The project will construct a new 3.8km bypass between the McGregor Road roundabout and the Cairns Western Arterial Road and Captain Cook Highway roundabout as an alternative route to the Captain Cook Highway.
Bungalow
A speed reduction is in force on Mulgrave Road at Bungalow due to culvert damage near Brown Street.
Access across culvert in both directions along Mulgrave Road and Brown Street intersection is restricted to vehicles that comply with the general mass and concessional mass limits.
Cape Tribulation / Kimberley
Roadworks have been reported on Cape Tribulation Bloomfield Road at Cape Tribulation / Kimberley
Long delays are expected in both directions towards Wujal Wujal.
Edmonton/Gordonvale
There are reports of potholes on the Bruce Highway in both directions between Edmonton and Gordonvale. Proceed with caution.
Edmonton/Gordonvale
Roadworks are being carried out on the Bruce Highway — Cairns Southern Access Corridor — Stage 3: Edmonton to Gordonvale. Delays expected (during active hours of work), with all lanes in both directions affected. The work is expected to run until June 30, 2023.
Edmonton / Gordonvale / Wrights Creek
Road works on Yarrabah Rd and the Bruce Highway due to the Cairns Southern Access Corridor — Stage 3: Edmonton to Gordonvale are expected to cause motorist delays.
All lanes in both directions are affected and changed traffic conditions are in place.
Gordonvale
Temporary closure of Maher Road intersection with the Bruce Highway in both directions. From 7pm Monday to Sunday 7pm until December 31. Forms part of the works for the Bruce Highway, Cairns Southern Access Corridor.
Gordonvale
Culvert replacement works on the Gillies Range Road will be taking place until at least September 30. Lanes will be reduced as a result and motorists are advised to proceed with caution.
Innot Hot Springs
Bridge or culvert damage has been reported on Mandalee Road at Innot Hot Springs.
The road closed to all traffic and motorists have been advised to use an alternative route.
Japoonvale
A 25 tonne load limit has been imposed on the Little Liverpool Creek Bridge between Torrisi Rd and Walter Lever Estate Rd. No delays are expected.
Kuranda
Barron River Bridge on the Kennedy Highway reduced to one lane. Restricted to vehicles that comply with general mass limits. Partial lane closures. Both directions affected and delays expected. Allow extra travel time.
Kuranda / Smithfield
Survey work on the Kuranda Range Rd began on August 18 and will continue until September 27.
Motorists are advised to proceed with caution.
Lake Barrine
Road widening works on the Gillies Range Rd at Lake Barrine are expected to continue to September 2021 and delays are to be expected.
Lake Eacham
Wrights Creek Road is closed to all traffic. Motorists are advised to use an alternative route.
The next road inspection will take place on November 11, 2021.
Mareeba
Roadworks incorporating the upgrade of the pedestrian crossing to a signalised pedestrian crossing at Byrnes St, Mareeba are scheduled Sunday to Friday from 6pm to 6am and expected to last until September 26.
Mareeba / Walkamin
Road widening works on the Kennedy Highway near Walkamin will take place between May 20 2021 and December 24 2021.
All lanes in both directions are affected and motorists are advised delays expected during active hours. Allow extra travel time.’
Mount Surprise
Damage has been reported on the Elizabeth Creek Bridge on the Gulf Developmental Rd at Mount Surprise. Delays are expected and motorists are advised to proceed with caution.
Stewart Creek Valley
Road hazard being soft shoulders on Douglas Creek Road at
Stewart Creek Valley has forced a 5 tonne GVM limit.
Heavy vehicles have been advised to use an alternative route.
Port Douglas
Upgrade works on the eastern side of the Macrossan and Owen St intersection are scheduled between Monday to Friday 6.30am to 5pm and expected to continue until September 3. Delays are expected.
Boogan / Mourilyan
Pavement widening and rehabilitation is underway on the Boogan Road at Mourilyan.
Works are expected to operate from Monday to Sunday, 6am to 6pm.
Delays are expected, motorists are advised to proceed with caution.
WHAT’S ON
The following Cairns Regional Council services are available:
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Picnic benches outside of Muddies
Public barbecues
Fitness equipment
Playgrounds including Muddy’s Playground and the Fun Ship Playground
Basketball and tennis courts
Bump tracks and BMX tracks (within parks)
The Esplanade Activity Precinct (skate plaza, bouldering park, beach volleyball courts, multipurpose court)
The Lagoon and Council-run swimming pools
Flecker Gardens
Arts and cultural venues including Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Tanks Arts Centre, the Courthouse gallery
Buy Back Shop
Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre
Barlow Park
Tobruk, Smithfield and Gordonvale pools
Marlin Coast Recreation Centre
Green Space Our Place
TODAY’S EVENTS
Wednesday Social Run
Join the Cairns Road runners on an evening social run, Train and go at your own pace to take in the fresh air.
Where: Cairns BBQ – Curlew
When: 5:15PM
Cost: Free
Latin Wednesdays
Join Elixir Bar for great vibes with Latin live music and food from Mr Jalepeno.
Where: Elixir Music Bar, 92 Abbott Street, Cairns
When: 7:30pm
Cost: Free
Aqua Zumba – Free Active Livin Fitness
Aqua Zumba program gives people a refreshing work out using Zumba with traditional aquatic fitness principles.
Where: Cairns Esplanade, 52-54 The Esplanade, Cairns
When: 5:30PM
Cost: Free
Originally published as Today in Cairns: Broken-down truck blocks Kuranda Range
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Cairns Mayor Amy Eden has refused to apologise to her CEO with councillors sensationally backing the recently appointed administrator in a bid to end speculation over the key civic post.