Community urged to have say on Cairns Western Arterial Road project

Main Roads is calling for community comment on plans to upgrade a key Cairns road, with the release of a draft proposal to upgrade the Cairns Western Arterial Road.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the upgrade was proposed between Enmore Street and Loridan Drive, and said community input was needed to refine the plans.

“The community’s input will assist Main Roads to ensure that the road design meets community needs both in the medium and long term," Mr Pitt said.

"Safety improved after Main Roads implemented changes at the Ramsey Street intersection in recent years," he said.

"However, there is a need to plan for further upgrades in the medium term, to cater for increased traffic volumes.

"With about 24,000 vehicles a day currently using this road and strong residential growth north of Cairns, the plans are aimed at meeting future needs of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians."

"For example, to improve safety for drivers exiting onto the arterial road from Ramsey Drive, a one-way service road will be provided to a new roundabout near the Lake Morris Road intersection.

"This will give drivers the option of safely entering the arterial road and turning south (city bound) through a new set of traffic lights or merging with the arterial to travel north.

"Another feature is a two-way service road that links the Gateway (Park Ridge) with a new roundabout at McManus Street and the underpass.

"A third inbound lane is also proposed at Enmore Street, along with a left-turn, acceleration lane at Loridan Drive."

Mr Pitt said the proposed upgrade would be compatible with longer-term upgrades, which would be needed when traffic volumes increased significantly.

"This medium-term upgrade can be constructed in stages as traffic growth dictates, and it fits well with plans for a future overpass at the Ramsey Drive intersection in the long term."

The upgrade therefore was likely to be carried out in stages within the next five to 10 years, with an overall cost of at least $13 million.

Mr Pitt said Main Roads' upgrading proposal would be on public display at the Raintrees shopping centre from 18–20 October and the Redlynch Central shopping centre from 1–3 November.

"The two staffed public displays at local shopping centres will give people the opportunity to view the proposal, ask questions and give their input."

Those unable to attend the public displays who would like to comment on the plan can contact the Main Roads public consultation office in Cairns on 4050 5584.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819