General News
27 July, 2026
Early works start
EARLY works are about to start on the duplication of the Cairns Western Arterial Road between Lake Placid Road and Captain Cook Highway.
HEH Civil has been awarded the contract to deliver the early works, which include relocation of water and sewer infrastructure ahead of major construction.
Relocating the essential services ahead of major construction is expected to streamline project delivery, reduce future disruptions and shorten overall construction time.
Project funding for construction has been allocated in state and federal budgets, with the final cost to be released once the major construction contracts have been awarded, “to deliver the best value for taxpayers”.
The works are expected to be completed in late 2027, weather and construction conditions permitting.
Premier David Crisafulli said the road had been getting more congested as Far North Queensland grew and locals had waited too long for this duplication delivered.
“With shovels hitting the ground within weeks, this is delivering the infrastructure needed for the Far North’s future – just as we promised,” he said.
Federal infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government acting minister Kristy McBain said the upgrade of the road to four lanes between Lake Placid Road and Captain Cook Highway would make travel through Cairns safer and more efficient.
“Despite accusations we had shelved the project, the Crisafulli government is committed to CWAR moving forward just as we said we would under the 2032 Delivery Plan,” state transport and main roads minister Brent Mickelberg said.
“Completing this work now will help pave the way for major construction, reducing disruption for the community and supporting more efficient delivery of the overall project,” he said.
Federal regional development minister Senator Anthony Chisholm said the milestone demonstrated a commitment to the project.
“With early works starting soon, this important milestone demonstrates the commitments made by the Albanese and Queensland governments to progress this important project and deliver better roads and infrastructure for Queenslanders,” he said.
Barron River MP Bree James said the community had been waiting for work to start on the Cairns Western Arterial Road for a long time.
Federal Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith said the duplication would make driving between Lake Placid Road and Captain Cook Highway easier.
