The federal and Queensland state governments have banded together to commit over $250 million to upgrade the Kennedy Highway between Smithfield and Kuranda, with road efficiency at the forefront of the impending improvements.
The road is colloquially known as Kuranda Range Road.
$210 million of the $262.5 million committed has come from the federal government with the aim of reducing the amount and length of unplanned closures of the road.
Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) led the proposal, with potential upgrades to include:
- A safe turn-around area, suitable for vehicles up to 19 metres, to provide an option to turn around and change travel plans in case Kuranda Range Road is unexpectedly closed.
- A concrete median barrier at the bend locally known as ‘The Hairpin’ to reduce the risk of head-on crashes.
- The installation of a further 10 Intelligent Transport Systems technology stations on Kuranda Range Road covering a further 5.5 kilometres. These stations provide real time information to Traffic Management Centre operators to detect hazards and monitor changes in road conditions and traffic behaviour.
The wettest tropical cyclone in recorded Australian history – Tropical Cyclone Jasper – ripped through Far North Queensland in late 2023. Senator for Queensland Nita Green says the historic storm proved the region’s roads needed to be hardened against weather events, for the good of the community.
“The Kuranda Range Road is a beautiful drive for tourists and locals alike, but many forget it’s a key freight route between Cairns and the Tablelands,” Green says.
“That’s why this investment is so important.
“These upgrades will best equip us in the north to keep moving through whatever Mother Nature throws at us.”
“I’m assured that TMR’s priority on Kuranda Range Road is the long-term repair works of the sections damaged by the massive flooding post-Tropical Cyclone Jasper,” Member for Barron River Craig Crawford says.
“Kuranda Range Road is a vital lifeline to Cairns for everyone travelling to and from Kuranda, the Atherton Tablelands and beyond.
“Some other works may include guardrail, shoulder widening, centre line treatments, vegetation management and slope stability treatments.”
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