Works are about to start on the Cairns Western Arterial Road upgrade, to get Far North Queensland residents and tourists to their destination sooner and safer, with the early works contractor now confirmed.

The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments are getting on with the job of delivering the Cairns Western Arterial Road duplication between Lake Placid Road and Captain Cook Highway, with works officially starting within weeks.

HEH Civil has been awarded the contract to deliver the early works, which include relocation of water and sewer infrastructure ahead of major construction.

The project is part of a plan for Queensland’s future, delivering critical games venues, infrastructure and transport projects through laws to fast track state planning rules, including for the delivery of the Cairns Western Arterial Road upgrade.

The relocation works will be carried out within the road corridor between Kamerunga Bridge over the Barron River and the Captain Cook Highway.

Relocating these essential services ahead of major construction will help streamline project delivery, reduce future disruptions, shorten overall construction time, giving Cairns residents another piece of infrastructure to support the city’s growing population.

Project funding for construction has been allocated in federal and state budgets, with the final cost to be released once the major construction contracts have been awarded, to deliver the best value for taxpayers.

The Lake Placid Road to Captain Cook Highway works are expected to be completed in late 2027, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said Cairns Western Arterial Road was part of building Queensland’s future.

“Queensland is growing and we’re working to deliver the road upgrades to get Queenslanders home safer and sooner,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“The Cairns Western Arterial Road has been getting more congested as Far North Queensland grows, and locals and tourists have sadly 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.”

Acting Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Kristy McBain said both the Albanese and Crisafulli governments were delivering road projects across Queensland.

“The Albanese Government is working with the Queensland Government to deliver key road projects across the state,” Minister McBain said.

“The upgrade of Cairns’ Western Arterial Road to four lanes between Lake Placid Road and Captain Cook Highway, will make travel through Cairns safer and more efficient.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the commencement of important water and sewer relocation works marked another important milestone in the project.

“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,” Minister 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.”

Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development 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,” Senator Chisholm said.

“In addition to our government’s record investment on the Bruce, we’re also ensuring key local connections, like the Cairns Western Arterial, get the upgrades they need.

“Once complete, this project will increase capacity, reduce travel times and improve traffic flow for Far North Queenslanders.”

State Assistant Minister for Tourism and Far North Queensland Bree James said the announcement would be welcomed by her community.

“Far North Queensland has been waiting for work to start on the Cairns Western Arterial Road for a long time,” Assistant Minister James said.

“With the next round of early works set to start in weeks, we’re delivering this long-awaited project, helping locals get home safer and sooner.”

Federal Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith said the duplication would make driving between Lake Placid Road and Captain Cook Highway easier.

“We’re seeing great progress on the Bruce, which will make our trips down south safer and more efficient, and now Cairns is seeing key investments in our local roads with work on the Cairns Western Arterial Road upgrade getting underway,” Mr Smith said.

“It’ll make driving between Lake Placid Road and Captain Cook Highway easier, by removing a couple of those pinch points. I look forward to seeing the progress.”