Critical FNQ works completed – Captain Cook Highway - Rex Lookout to Turtle Cove

• Essential work to minimise further damage on Captain Cook Highway, between Rex Lookout and Turtle Cove, Wangetti has been completed.

• The works ensure the highway remains safe and open for all road users.
• Long-term reconstruction works will commence after site investigations, detailed design and a tender process to engage suitable contractors for the specialised work required. 

A major milestone has been reached in recovery from Tropical Cyclone Jasper, with slope stabilisation works now completed on the Captain Cook Highway between Rex Lookout and Turtle Cove.

This marks the finalisation of emergency repairs required to maintain open roads and access to communities across Far North Queensland.

The recovery works are jointly funded by the Albanese and Miles Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

For the safety of all road users, single-lane closures will remain in place while the Transport and Main Roads (TMR) focuses on design and prioritisation of reconstruction works to return the road to pre-cyclone capacity and reopen to two lanes.

Long-term works are expected to start in several months to complete the reconstruction works on Captain Cook Highway, Mossman-Mount Molloy Road, and Mossman-Daintree Road.

Once a program is finalised for the reconstruction, TMR will advise the community of the expected construction timeframes and traffic arrangements for the works.

Road users are thanked for their continued patience during these important works and at traffic control sites along the Captain Cook Highway.

For up-to-date information about the state-controlled road network, check the QLDTraffic website or call 13 19 40.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish:

"The completion of these critical works on Captain Cook Highway is a significant milestone in Far North Queensland's Cyclone Jasper recovery.

"Transport and Main Roads can now focus on reconstruction to restore the highway to its pre-cyclone capacity.

“A big thanks goes to the communities in the region who use this road regularly for their patience, and to the TMR crews who are continuing with vital work to maintain access for Far North Queensland residents.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Queensland, Nita Green:

“This is a great result for people in Far North Queensland. Road access is vital in this part of the region, and I’m very pleased to see progress being made, through cooperation at both levels of government.

“Cyclone Jasper resulted in significant damage to critical infrastructure and we greatly appreciate the resilience and patience shown during the path to recovery to ensure the road is safe and accessible for residents and tourists.

“While these emergency works will be valuable in getting vehicles back on the road, I know both Governments are working hard to deliver long term reconstruction works as quickly as possible.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Cook Cynthia Lui:

“I know how complex this piece of work has been and how hard the crews have been working on the road itself and behind the scenes.

“This highway is crucial infrastructure for our region and for our economy – particularly for tourism and agriculture – and I thank the teams for their work and motorists for their patience.”

ENDS

Media contact – Minister Mellish office – 0466 620 176