The Queensland Government plans to deliver $253.3 million of road infrastructure in 2018-19 for far north Queensland, including the Smithfield Bypass.

Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said he was pleased to see the State Government was investing heavily in transport infrastructure across the far north.

“The upgrades particularly to the south of Cairns willgreatly benefit motorists who commute to and from the city for work,” he said.

“This budget is great news for the people of Far North Queensland.”

 Projects funded for far north Queensland in the recent Budget include –  

–     Starting construction of a $104.1 million (2018-19 $28.3 million) project to widen the Bruce Highway from four to six lanes between Kate Street and Aumuller Street (Stage 4), immediately south of Cairns.

–     Starting construction of the $152 million (2018-19 $17.5 million) Smithfield Bypass Project, which will significantly improve safety and traffic flow between McGregor Road and Yorkeys Knob Road roundabouts.

–     Starting procurement for a $481 million (2018-19 $15.2 million) project to duplicate the Bruce Highway from two to four lanes between Edmonton and Gordonvale (Stage 3).

–     Continuing sealing works on the Peninsula Developmental Road (between Laura and Weipa Laura to Coen).