Heavy traffic from the Northern Beaches has resulted in commuters spending triple the time on the roads

The reason behind excruciating peak hour delays for northern beaches commuters has been revealed, as an MP calls for an apology.

The Captain Cook Highway was experiencing heavy traffic this morning. Picture: Brendan Radke

The reason behind excruciating peak hour delays for Northern Beaches commuters has been revealed, with an MP calling for an apology to those affected.

Barron River MP Craig Crawford apologised for the extensive delays on the Captain Cook Highway this morning and gave an explanation after commuters from the northern beaches were stuck in traffic gridlock on Wednesday morning.

Drivers from the northern beaches into Cairns City sat in traffic for hours, the result of leftover roadworks on Sheridan St from the night before that hadn’t been cleared, Mr Crawford said.

“I understand it was really annoying for a lot of people, my wife was in the car for two and a half hours and so I heard it all myself,” Mr Crawford said.

“We can attribute the problem to the night works overnight being uncleared, and it’s an absolute no-brainer to have that gone by the morning.

“This would explain why when you came into the city this morning you saw a closed lane without any action.”

Mr Crawford said the contractor owed an explanation.

“They’re a good company and I don’t all plan to hang them out to dry on that,” he said.

“Mistakes happen.”

Heavy traffic from the Northern Beaches has resulted in commuters spending triple the time on the roads. Picture: Sian Jeffries

Contractor Koppens Developments is currently working on a third southbound lane on Sheridan Street at Cairns North in a bid to improve for traffic flow for thousands of commuters during the morning rush hour.

Late today Koppen Construction issued an apology and an explanation.

“Koppens apologises for the inconvenience caused by roadworks along Sheridan Street on the 24 May 2023,” their statement said.

“We are currently undertaking works to install a third inbound lane on Sheridan Street between Moffat Street and Lily streets.

“Due to unforeseen delays during works on Tuesday night traffic control measures were implemented for the safety of the travelling public.

“We acknowledge this created delays to the morning’s traffic.

“A review of the traffic control has been undertaken and we will ensure that appropriate notification of traffic disruptions is provided to the public in advance of any further works.

“We will continue to work with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to review any upcoming works and potential disruptions.”

One motorist reported it took an hour and a half to travel from Trinity Beach to Machans Beach after leaving home at 7.30am, and two hours to the airport turn-off on Sheridan St.

The wet weather compounded matters, but no accidents were reported.

Originally published as Heavy traffic from the Northern Beaches has resulted in commuters spending triple the time on the roads