General News
6 June, 2025
Ex-Jasper works begin
RECONSTRUCTION works on three key roads, including the Captain Cook Highway, have started, with possible night closures of the coastal road between Buchan Point and Yule Point likely in July.
A Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) spokeswoman said coinciding with the end of the wet season, the department would expand the extent of reconstruction works on the Cook Highway as well as on the Mossman-Daintree Rd and the Mossman-Mt Molloy Rd.
The spokeswoman said the highway works would involve additional traffic control measures and night works starting from early June.
“Total traffic control and night works delays through all active sites are not expected to exceed 15 minutes outside of night closures,” the spokeswoman said.
“TMR can confirm no imminent night closures are scheduled for May or June on Captain Cook Highway.
“TMR anticipates night closures may be required in the month of July with dates to be confirmed pending weather, site conditions and progress of current works.
“There are no scheduled night works or night closures on Mossman-Mount Molloy Road or Mossman-Daintree Road.
“TMR will notify road users in advance of any scheduled closures.”
There are more than 80 geotechnical sites requiring repairs along Captain Cook Highway.
In addition to complex geotechnical sites, there are extensive repairs required for pavement, guard rails, signs, drains and culverts as well as revegetation works that will take place at sections along the highway.
On the Mossman-Mount Molloy Rd, priority works will occur at the site currently under single lane traffic control about 1.5m from the lookout towards Mossman.
Works were expected to start this week and include:
soil nailing and concreting to stabilise slopes
installation of gabion basket retaining walls
revegetation works.
The spokeswoman said the
section under single lane traffic control would be the first priority with other sites to be completed later in the reconstruction program.
“Currently there are no road closures or night closures scheduled for the works on Mossman-Mount Molloy Road,” she said.
Reconstruction works on Mossman-Daintree Road will start at a site known locally as Humbug Reach, 32km north of Mossman.
“Contractors are currently mobilising to site and establishing a site office nearby,” the spokeswoman said.
“Road users are advised there will gradually be more crew movements in the area with works on site starting from Monday, June 2.
“Road users can expect delays of up to 15 minutes during works for movements of heavy machinery and crews through the construction site.
“Reconstruction works are expected to require intermittent road closures with dates to be confirmed pending progress of works.
“At this time no night closures are scheduled, TMR will provide advance notice to road users ahead of any confirmed road closures.”
Works include:
Over 30 concrete piles drilled vertically to depths of up to 14m into the ground
Over 1500 linear metres of soil nails will be required over the course of the reconstruction efforts
A combined 30m retaining wall and a 50m rock gabion wall will also be installed to support the hillside.
“This site has challenges and constraints that may require TMR to implement night closures,” the spokeswoman said.
“These challenges include the extent of the damage, limited space to operate heavy machinery and the care needed when operating close to the bank of the Daintree River.”
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