Queensland Roads Minister inspects Captain Cook Highway, non committal about specific re-opening date

It’s the question on everyone’s lips in the Douglas Shire and a lot of others in the Far North – just when will the Captain Cook Highway between Port Douglas and Cairns officially re-open to motorists?

Ever since last month’s perfect storm - the combined impact and effects of Cyclone Jasper and the ensuing extreme rainfall that damaged a 27km stretch of the highway from Buchan Point to Oak Beach - locals and tourists alike have been waiting for any word of a potential re-opening date.

Just days ago the newly appointed QLD State Roads Minister Bart Mellish MP personally inspected the current state of the roadway along with QLD Premier Steven Miles and local TMR officials.

While Mr Mellish spoke of the damage to the Highway he stopped short of providing a specific timeframe, month, day or date as to when the highway will re-open to all traffic.

“The Captain Cook Highway north of Cairns has suffered severe damage following cyclone Jasper,” Mr Mellish told Newsport a short time ago.

“While RoadTek crews are working hard to clear debris from the road, it is important to understand the extend of the damage.

“Thousands of tonnes of debris fell onto the road after massive landslips, these landslips can be seen clearly as you travel along the highway.

“In addition so many culverts, bridges and road barriers suffered significant damage - crews have done a phenomenal job so far to clear up the debris.

“From here, the goal was to get the remaining debris from the road as soon as possible and ensure the road is deemed safe for it to be re-opened to tourists and locals."

Despite Mr Mellish not offering a potential re-opening date a source has told Newsport late February is one timeframe being discussed by TMR as to when the Highway could possibly open to motorists once again.

Meantime, despite some parts of the Daintree including Thornton’s Beach to Cape Tribulation being partially re-connected by road after a long 24 days of isolation, the area’s main connector – Cape Tribulation Road, still requires ongoing extreme repair, rehabilitation and stabilising works.

A short time ago Council detailed five key areas it said it intends to work on over the next few weeks, months and potentially, years.

On a diagram Council said its priority is to clean-up areas one – Noah Creek Bridge and two, the Noah Beach area and then when able, sections three, four and five ( Noah Range).

Crews require a long arm excavator to be able to work on stages four and five. The excavator required to do this specific job is currently being used, Council said, to dredge the Daintree River so the Daintree Ferry can run efficiently.