Cook Highway works end is in sight... maybe!
Cook Highway
Updates on the status of works on the Cook Highway are coming in almost as slowly as the trip down the range, but Cook MP David Kempton expects to be briefed this week on the finer points, including an end date to the disruption.
Asked last week by Newsport just what he was privvy to regarding the roadworks to repair damage caused during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023, Mr Kempton said: “I’ll receive an update on the Cook Highway next week and should then be able to provide a comprehensive account.”
The Transport and Main Roads Department (TMR) suggests works may not be completed by the end of 2026.
“The Queensland Government continues to deliver critical disaster recovery works along the Captain Cook Highway, with significant progress already made,’’ a TMR spokesperson said.
“More than one-third of over 80 geotechnical repair sites damaged during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper have now been completed.
“TMR is working closely with the contractor to complete the majority of works by the end of 2026, site and weather conditions permitting, although some works may take longer due to the severity of the damage.
“We appreciate the community’s patience as we deliver these reconstruction works.’’
The recovery works are jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Works include upslope and downslope stabilisation, pavement repairs, and installation of seven debris flow barriers – a first for Far North Queensland state-controlled roads.
The scale of the reconstruction program has meant multiple sites are under construction at the same time and traffic delays and changed traffic conditions were unavoidable.
