Community
16 May, 2024
Cook Highway road closures
TO expedite repairs on the Captain Cook Highway to ensure the safety for road users, a section between Rex Lookout and Turtle Cove, Wangetti, will be closed to traffic at night from now until late July.
A Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) spokesman said critical works between Rex Lookout and Turtle Cove, Wangetti, was vital in preparation for permanent repair works.
“Several sections of the Captain Cook Highway received significant damage following rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023,” he said.
“TMR understands the importance of this vital route and these decisions have been made after engagement and consultation with community members.
“Feedback from stakeholders has allowed us to arrange for scheduled traffic let throughs.”
No night works will occur on:
Friday, May 24 to Sunday, May 26 – Road will remain open for Port Douglas Carnivale
Saturday, June 1 and June 8
Saturday, June 15 – Road will remain open to allow access ahead of the Ironman event
Sunday, June 16 – Changed traffic conditions and closures will be in place. For more information on these see the Ironman website – Works will resume Monday, June 17
Saturday, June 22, 29 and July 6.
“Due to the required heavy machinery and limited road width, full closures of this section of road will be necessary,” the spokesman said.
Full closures are scheduled for the nights of Sunday, May 19 and Monday, May 20. On these nights, traffic cannot be let through.
“TMR anticipates further full closure dates will be required. The dates of full closures are dependent on progress of works, weather, materials supply, and construction conditions,” the spokesman said.
“Road users should plan their journeys accordingly and seek an alternative route if travel at night is necessary,” he said.
“Following the works, the Captain Cook Highway will remain single lane at various locations until permanent repair works can be carried out.
“Investigations are continuing into long-term solutions for repairs to the Captain Cook Highway.
“TMR is prioritising the design, relevant approvals, and preparation of suitable construction methodologies for these recovery works.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads regional director Ross Hodgman said the priority was to maintain safe access on the Captain Cook Highway for all road users.
“I understand that road closures are an inconvenience and encourage road users to plan ahead,” he said.
“The closures are necessary to safely carry out these critical works and I thank road users for their patience.
"We've thankfully been able to schedule works around events I know are important to the region's economy such as the Ironman and Port Douglas Carnivale."
* For up-to-date information about the state-controlled road network, 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.
* For up-to-date information on traffic disruptions, visit the QldTraffic website at www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au call 131940 or download the QldTraffic app from your app store.
