Captain Cook Highway, Cairns CBD to Smithfield, Upgrade

Funding program Investment Road and Rail Program
Status Under construction
Transport mode Road
Expected start/finish TBD - TBD
Estimated project cost $359,000,000
Australian Government contribution $287,200,000
State QLD

Project description

Significant congestion on the Captain Cook Highway is constraining access to the Cairns Port from the north and west of Cairns, and access between the Cairns Port and the Cairns Airport. Currently there is no easy access to connect the Cairns Port and Cairns Airport with the region's agricultural producing areas within the Atherton Tablelands, Cape York Peninsula and Mossman.

The Cairns Ring Road project will plan, design and construct road upgrades between the corner of Comport and Draper Streets in Cairns CBD to the intersection of the Captain Cook and Kennedy Highways, and Mount Milman Drive in Smithfield to ease congestion and improve connectivity between key activity hubs in the region.

The future work may include active and public transport improvements, changes to bridge structures, safety upgrades, road widening and total network solutions. The project will also deliver early works on the Airport Avenue to James Street section of the Captian Cook Highway and may include an additional lane between Moffat Street and Lily Street, closure of some existing median breaks, intersection upgrades and changes to Passenger Transport arrangements.

Benefits

The project will improve traffic flow, freight efficiency and road safety by reducing urban congestion and travel time, enabling better connectivity between people with jobs and services, and goods with markets. The project will enhance regional connectivity, including between Cairns and the industries within the Atherton Tablelands and Cape York.

There is also an expectation that there will be a reduction in the number and severity of collisions and travel time while also improving reliability of transport networks and active transport, as well as improved accessibility between centres.

Funding

The Australian Government has committed $287.2 million and the Queensland Government $71.8 million.

Timetable

Planning is underway and early works on the project are expected to be completed in late 2025. The delivery schedule for major construction work is being determined by the Queensland Government.

Project last updated: 3 Oct 2025

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Project disclaimer

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