UPDATE 27 June 2024
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is continuing critical slope stabilisation works along Captain Cook Highway.
On Thursday 4 July from 9pm to 4am, the road closure point will shift to 1.5km north of Turtle Cove for one night only. Let throughs to clear traffic queues once in each direction at the times of 11 pm and again at 1:30 am will remain in place on this evening. Access to Turtle Cove Resort will only be possible at these times.
Let throughs to clear traffic queues, once in each direction, at the times of 11 pm and 1:30 am will remain in place on this evening.
Drivers are asked to ensure they are in queue by the above let through times as traffic is only let through for long enough to clear vehicles once in each direction before works resume.
After Thursday 4 July, the road closure points will return to Rex Lookout and Turtle Cove, Wangetti with single lane traffic sections in place along the highway.
- Emergency works repair works between Rex Lookout and Turtle Cove are still anticipated to finish late July.
- There will be no works on Friday 19 July due to the Cairns Show holiday.
- There will continue to be no works on Saturday nights.
Road users should plan their journeys accordingly and seek an alternative route if travel at night is necessary.
Following the completion of current works, the Captain Cook Highway will remain single lane at various locations until permanent repair works can be carried out.
TMR is prioritising the design, relevant approvals, and preparation of suitable construction methodologies for long-term recovery works along the Captain Cook Highway.
The recovery works are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Published 9 May 2024:
To expedite repairs on the Captain Cook Highway, a section between the Rex Lookout and Turtle Cove, Wangetti, will be closed to all traffic from Wednesday 15 May until late July 2024 between 9pm and 4am, weather and construction conditions permitting.
Traffic will be let through the roadworks site from both ends at 11pm and 1.30am.
Full closures will occur on the nights of Sunday 19 May and Monday 20 May where the scope of works will mean traffic CANNOT be let through.
TMR anticipates further full closure dates may be required. The dates of full closures are dependent on progress of works, weather, materials supply, and construction conditions.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will carry out works to stabilise the slope at this location in preparation for permanent works.
Landslips occurred at this location following rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023.
Road closures are necessary due to the nature of the works, which will prevent further damage and ensure safety for road users.
We understand the importance of this vital route and these decisions have been made after engagement and consultation with community members. Feedback from stakeholders has allowed TMR to arrange the scheduled traffic let throughs and to ensure that no night works will occur on the following dates:
- Friday 24 May to Sunday 26 May – Road will remain open for Port Douglas Carnivale
- Saturday 1 June
- Saturday 8 June
- Saturday 15 June – Road will remain open to allow access ahead of the Ironman event.
- Sunday 16 June – Changed traffic conditions and closures will be in place. For more information on these see the Ironman website. Works will resume Monday 17 June.
- Saturday 22 June
- Saturday 29 June
- Saturday 6 July
Following the works, the Captain Cook Highway will remain single lane at various locations until long-term repairs can be carried out.
Long-term solutions for repairs to the Captain Cook Highway are being investigated. TMR is prioritising the design, relevant approvals, and preparation of suitable construction methodologies for these recovery works.
The recovery works are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Variable Message signs (VMS) will be in place on the approaches to the work site prior to closures commencing to ensure motorists are aware of the changed traffic conditions. Changes in dates due to poor weather or construction conditions will be posted on the VMS.
For up-to-date information about the state-controlled road network, please check the QLDTraffic website or call 13 19 40.
Road users are also encouraged to subscribe to SMS traffic alerts for the Captain Cook Highway to be notified of changed traffic conditions or email cairns.office@tmr.qld.gov.au to request to be added to the Captain Cook Highway email database.
