Final stage of major Mulgrave Road upgrade to commence

The $17.9 million upgrade to one of the busiest roads in Cairns is nearing completion with work on the project’s final stage due to start in May, weather permitting.

Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said the Mulgrave Road and Tills Street intersection upgrade was the fifth and final stage of the Mulgrave Road upgrade project.

“This project started in early 2007 and includes upgrading intersections, widening some sections of the road to six lanes and upgrading route lighting to improve road safety and travel time reliability,” Mr Wallace said.

“Stage five of this project will involve widening Mulgrave Road to six lanes from Dillon Street to Lyons Street. It will also provide a separate left-turn lane northbound from Mulgrave Road into Tills Street and southbound from Mulgrave Road into Newell Street.

“Once complete, these works will complete the six-laning of Mulgrave Road from McCoombe Street to Lyons Street.

“This project will carry double benefits for the Cairns community - not only will it improve safety and efficiency, but also provide employment opportunities for the region. An average of 63 direct and indirect jobs will be sustained over the life of this project.”

Mr Wallace said Cairns motorists were already enjoying the benefits of improved traffic flow at the previously upgraded Severin, McCoombe, and Aumuller streets intersections.

“Pedestrians and bicycle users are also catered for through the provision of a two-staged pedestrian crossing on Mulgrave Road, designated bicycle lanes and installation of bicycle push buttons to activate lights,” he said.

“As part of the cyclist improvements, a trial ‘Copenhagen Lane’ will be installed from Lyons Street to Tills Street. This trial will be a first for cyclists in Cairns. A ‘Copenhagen Lane’ creates a separate two-way path for bicycles by placing a cement barrier between the footpath and car parking.”

Member for Cairns Desley Boyle welcomed the announcement.

“Getting the balance of all interests right has been a very difficult task for Main Roads and the department has done an excellent job looking after motorists, shoppers, cyclists and pedestrians,” Ms Boyle said.

“The six-laning of Mulgrave Road from McCoombe Street to Lyons Street, at a cost of $17.9 million, is evidence the State Government cares about infrastructure outside of south-east Queensland and is committed to working with the region of Cairns to get ahead of traffic congestion.”

The Department of Transport and Main Roads Far North Acting Regional Director Ron Michel said the department worked hard to develop a design option that would improve traffic flow and safety for all road users, while minimising the impacts on surrounding businesses and properties.

“Community consultation plays a key role in all projects and initiatives carried out by the department and the Mulgrave Road and Tills Street upgrade is no exception,” Mr Michel said.

“We listened to the concerns raised by local business and property owners during initial consultation and went back to the drawing board to further work on the design options for this upgrade project.

“We have taken into consideration feedback received during consultation and met again with businesses and stakeholders at the end of March to discuss the revised upgrade plans.

“The department values its relationship with businesses and we work very hard to ensure that business considerations are balanced with the needs of the entire community for a safer and improved road network.”

Mr Michel said the works on the final stage of the project would be delivered by Cairns Regional Council and were expected to begin in May, weather permitting.

“The department will liaise with the council to develop a construction and traffic management plan to minimise impacts on local businesses and maintain the best possible traffic flow during construction,” he said.

Advice about the timing of the works and the traffic management plan will be made available via the department’s traffic management website www.131940.qld.gov.au and advertisements in the Cairns Post. The department will also send letters advising of the work details to surrounding businesses and other stakeholders.

Media contact: Minister Wallace’s office 3896 3689