A crucial freight corridor connecting the Atherton Tablelands to the coast has reopened, providing a significant boost for local industry and agriculture just before the Christmas period. The news comes as major repair efforts on the flood-damaged Bruce Highway north of Cairns are scheduled for a temporary halt.
Kuranda Range Road Reopened for Essential Freight
Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has confirmed that the Kuranda Range Road (State Route 52) is now accessible for all essential freight vehicles. This follows a period of restricted access after the road was impacted by severe weather. The reopening is a critical development for Tablelands producers who rely on this route to move goods to the Port of Cairns and major distribution centres.
While the road is open, a 15-tonne load limit remains in place on specific sections to ensure safety while geotechnical assessments continue. Authorities are urging all drivers, particularly those in heavy vehicles, to exercise extreme caution, obey all signage, and expect possible delays due to ongoing monitoring and single-lane conditions in parts.
Bruce Highway Repair Work to Pause for Holidays
In related transport news, the extensive reconstruction work on the Bruce Highway at Wangetti, between Cairns and Port Douglas, will be suspended for the Christmas and New Year holiday travel period. The work zone, where crews have been repairing significant damage caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023, will be removed to improve traffic flow for the expected surge in holidaymakers.
The temporary pause in construction activity will begin on Friday, December 20, 2024. All traffic management, including speed reductions and lane shifts, will be lifted until work recommences on Monday, January 6, 2025. This initiative aims to enhance safety and reduce congestion during one of the region's busiest travel times.
Looking Ahead: Permanent Solutions and Continued Caution
The reopening of the Kuranda Range route and the holiday pause on the Bruce Highway offer welcome respite. However, Transport and Main Roads emphasises that the situation remains dynamic. The load limit on the Range Road will stay under constant review as further geotechnical investigations are completed to plan for permanent repairs.
Motorists are reminded that while the highway work zone will be cleared, the road surface at Wangetti may still be uneven. Drivers should continue to travel to the conditions and adhere to posted speed limits. The department thanked the community and road users for their patience during the challenging recovery phase and wished everyone safe travels over the festive season.
The coordinated efforts highlight the ongoing focus on restoring full connectivity to Far North Queensland's transport network, which is vital for both the local economy and the livelihoods of residents across the Tablelands and coastal regions.
