Archive, Industry News

Bus priority planned for Cairns in transport revamp

The Federal and Queensland Governments have released three options for a public transport revamp in Cairns. Federal Transport Minister Anthony

The Federal and Queensland Governments have released three options for a public transport revamp in Cairns.

Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese put the options out to public consultation after committing $150 million to upgrade priority sections of the Bruce Highway between Sheehy Road and Ray Jones Drive in Cairns.

“As part of that consultation with Cairns residents, we are also seeking community views on different design options to help inform the scope of work to be undertaken as part of the Sheehy Road to Ray Jones Drive upgrade,” Albanese says.

Queensland Roads Minister Craig Wallace says each option includes provisions for buses, motor vehicles, the rail corridor, and pedestrian and cycle access.

Queensland Transport Minister Rachel Nolan says the government is planning for a fast, reliable and sustainable public transport system to connect the major communities in Cairns, from Palm Cove to Gordonvale, via Redlynch and all the neighbourhoods in-between.

“The Cairns Transit Network will create a new, purpose-designed network for urban public transport to support the vision of ‘transit oriented communities’ as outlined in the Far North Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031,” she says.

The network is designed to be initially serviced by bus rapid transit with the flexibility to convert to other technologies, such as light rail, in the future if required.

The draft Concept Design Report and alignment plans show in detail where the network may travel.

The draft plans show the proposed treatment options which will include a combination of a future dedicated busway, bus/transit lanes, and other bus priority measures.

Nolan says a project newsletter detailing each of the options and information on the concept design of the Cairns Transit Network and Cairns Bruce Highway Upgrade will be delivered to each household between Palm Cove and Gordonvale during November.

“The newsletter will provide residents with more information on our balanced transport solution for Cairns, as well as containing a feedback form and dates and venues for future information sessions,” she says.

The sessions will be held across Cairns from November 21 through to December 3.

Send this to a friend