Road Conditons Update-FNQ-Kuranda Range-upcoming closures end April/Early May

Update from TMR Cairns

It is expected three nights of full closures on Kuranda Range Road are required to complete the emergency repair works. These nights will likely be in late April or early May 2024; the exact dates depend on weather and supply of materials.

No works are scheduled on Kuranda Range Road until then, and the road will be open, road conditions permitting, with single-lane sections in place.

TMR will inform you about the new dates when they are known.

The emergency works are carried out to prevent further damage to the road. Ongoing undermining of the road was occurring due to the ongoing wet season impacts at several locations. If these works weren’t carried out now, there was a risk the road would become unsafe for single lane traffic and would have to be completely closed, resulting in long-term significant disruptions. The emergency works are taking longer than expected due to the recent wet weather, available material supplies and challenging site conditions. These unforeseen circumstances result in changes to the design due to the emergent nature of the works and subsequently extensions in the work schedule.

TMR is planning long-term solutions for repair and recovery works to the damaged road network, including Kuranda Range Road. TMR is prioritising the design, relevant approvals and preparation of suitable construction methodologies for these recovery works. These are complex sites which require detailed investigation and designs based on the forward material availability and construction methodologies.

Once a program of works is finalised, TMR will advise stakeholders of the expected construction timeframes and traffic arrangements for the works. The current works have also been designed to assist in the constructability of the long-term works. The start date of the major works is likely to be several months away.