Bigger and better bypass paves way for new Noah Creek bridge
Douglas Shire Council
A more robust temporary bypass - designed to withstand high tides and carry semi-trailers - will be constructed at Noah Creek, marking a major step toward delivering the new dual-lane bridge. Contractor HEH Civil has begun work on the project last week.
The single-lane structure will sit 20cm above astronomical high tide and be managed by traffic signals, with a 20 km/h speed limit in place.
While the bypass is being built, heavy vehicles travelling to Cape Tribulation will face temporary access restrictions for approximately 12 weeks.
Heavy vehicles will only be able to cross on Mondays between 7:00am and 12:00pm, the window allowing for rubbish collection and other essential weekly deliveries to continue.
Assistance is provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the start of bypass works signalled real progress.
“It’s a very encouraging milestone; the new Noah Creek Bridge is now genuinely within sight,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“During the wet season, the current causeway at times became impassable due to rising creek levels and the sheer force of the water.
"This new bypass has been engineered to be above the high tide and significantly more robust. We don’t anticipate any access issues once construction is complete.
“The temporary bypass is a crucial step that lets construction move ahead safely while keeping the community connected.”
Construction of the new $12 million Noah Creek Bridge is also DRFA funded and scheduled to begin once the bypass is operational, with completion expected later this year.