Will last night's heavy rainfall delay the re-opening of the Captain Cook Highway on January 20?

IN DOUBT?

Michael Warren

Editor

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Will last night's heavy rainfall delay the re-opening of the Captain Cook Highway? This file picture of the Captain Cook Highway was taken last December and does not reflect events from last night's rain in the Douglas Shire. Picture: Brett Wright

Heavy overnight rainfall has many Douglas Shire residents asking will the region’s main road arterial – the Captain Cook Highway – still re-open to motorists in eight days’ time.

Just days ago, the region’s collective hopes were lifted following the State Government’s announcement that the highway between Port Douglas and Cairns would re-open on Saturday, January 20, following the damage caused by December’s cyclone and flood events.

However as mentioned last night’s deluge which saw separate parts of the Shire receive upwards of 150-200mm of rainfall has many now wondering as to whether the roadway will be still all good to go in the coming weeks.

It’s not 100% clear if last night’s heavy rain, disrupted, or complicated any major rehabilitation, or recovery works that have been completed by RoadTek along the Captain Cook Highway over the past few weeks.

Just moments ago a TMR insider told Newsport at this very moment nothing has changed regarding the official re-opening date, however further assessments of the highway will take place today and in the coming days to ensure it is safe and drivable ahead of the announced re-opening date.

The insider said all works on the Captain Cook Highway have been preventative, and that TMR and the State Government continue to monitor the state of the highway very closely.

The State Government said in its statement just days ago, that the re-opening of the highway would be dependent on weather and it not suffering any further major damage or setbacks in the lead up to January 20.

 

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