The $12 million Noah Creek Bridge Replacement Project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The current single lane bridge has a load limit of 16 tonnes. The new bridge will be dual lane and have a load rating of 44 tonnes. It will follow the same alignment as the existing bridge.

A temporary, single lane, dry bypass will be built, able to carry vehicles up to 44-tonnes. Once constructed and signed off, all traffic will be diverted over the bypass.

The old bridge will be demolished, and the new concrete-pile bridge will be installed. Once the new bridge is operational, the temporary bypass will be removed, and the creek restored.

HEH will start work on the temporary bypass Monday 27 April 2026. 

• It will be single lane to allow one-way traffic, 3.25 metres wide, with 0.5 m shoulders. 
• The bypass will be 200 mm above highest astronomical tide (HAT).
• Traffic signals will control alternating flows. During the day, traffic lights will be controlled by traffic controllers, to prioritise queued traffic and minimise waiting time. At night, the traffic lights will be programmed on auto with a timed interval between a green light in each direction.
• The speed limit across the bypass will be 20 kph.
• It is designed for 19 metre semi-trailers and vehicles up to 44 tonnes so will comfortably allow travellers with big cars and long caravans to cross. 

During construction of the temporary bypass, vehicles 16+ tonnes travelling to Cape Tribulation will be impacted.

• From 20 April 2026 until the temporary bypass is built and opened, heavy vehicles will only have access on a Monday.
• Only high clearance vehicles will be able to use the causeway.
• Movements will be limited to a 5-hour window 7:00am to 12:00pm.
• Operators will need to book an appointment at least 24 hours in advance.
• Appointments may be booked with Gaye 0418 793 009 or gaye.scott@douglas.qld.gov.au
• HEH will be on site when vehicles cross, to be available to provide assistance should any vehicles get stuck.
• Without a booking, there’s no guarantee the causeway will be available.

These temporary restrictions will cause some inconvenience, and HEH will do its best to accommodate access where possible, but options will be limited during construction of the bypass.