Planning underway for bypass of far north Queensland town
Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |
Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has begun planning a road bypass around the town of Innisfail in the state’s far north.
The Bruce Highway currently runs through the town, bringing traffic to a right-angle intersection with Edith Street, the town’s main thoroughfare.
TMR said it’s progressing a $9 million project to plan and protect a suitable road corridor for a future bypass of Innisfail if one would be required.
Options are being investigated to maintain the safety and efficiency of the Bruce Highway. TMR said a bypass would improve safety, increase capacity, and contribute to regional growth.
The project will evaluate options, determine a preferred corridor, and prepare land requirement plans to preserve a corridor for future needs.
The proposed bypass would leave the Bruce Highway to the south of Innisfail, linking up with it again at the intersection with the Palmerston Highway, the main road from the coast to the southern Atherton Tablelands.
Innisfail is 80 kilometres south of Cairns by road, and is the centre of a major agricultural region where, sugar, bananas, and tropical fruit are grown.
TMR is calling for public comment. Submissions close on September 2.