Infrastructure Priority List

Kennedy Highway (Cairns - Mareeba), Barron River bridge upgrade

Kennedy Highway (Cairns - Mareeba), Barron River bridge upgrade

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Kennedy Highway (Cairns - Mareeba), Barron River bridge upgrade

PROJECT STAGE
EARLY STAGE PROPOSAL
EARLY STAGE PROPOSAL
DEFINING PROBLEMS & OPPORTUNITIES
POTENTIAL INVESTMENT OPTIONS
POTENTIAL INVESTMENT OPTIONS
IDENTIFYING & ANALYSING OPTIONS
INVESTMENT READY PROPOSAL
INVESTMENT READY PROPOSAL
DEVELOPING A BUSINESS CASE
Tick EVALUATION COMPLETE
PROJECT DELIVERY
PROJECT DELIVERY
PROJECT DELIVERY
PROJECT DELIVERY
POST COMPLETION REVIEW
LOCATION
Kuranda, Queensland
SECTOR
Transport
PROPONENT
QLD Government
PRIORITY LIST STATUS
Not Previously on Priority List
EVALUATION HISTORY
Delivery Investment (Business Case) - 05/05/2025
A graphic of the Australian continent with Queensland state shaded.
0370 - Kennedy Highway (Cairns - Mareeba) Barron River bridge upgrade map
Problem

The Barron River bridge is a critical link between Cairns, Kuranda and the Northern Tablelands, supporting daily access for residents, freight and essential services. The existing structure is experiencing structural deterioration, increasing maintenance needs and safety risks. Without intervention, the bridge is likely to face more frequent and severe load restrictions, detours and closures—affecting access, reliability and economic activity.

Investment ready proposal
Strategic Fit 

The project aligns with Queensland Government and local council objectives by connecting communities through an integrated transport system that provides safe, efficient movement of goods and people, promotes tourism and active transport.  

The proposal also aligns to the Australian Government’s Infrastructure Policy Statement which emphasises the importance of efficient, resilient and safe transport networks.  

The proponent has appropriately considered integration into the existing and future road network, with the proposal supporting the continued efficient connection between Cairns and the Northern Tablelands along the Kennedy Highway.  

Societal Impact 

The upgrade will enhance quality of life by improving access to services, reducing disruptions that disproportionately impact vulnerable groups, and supporting safer, more inclusive active transport through upgraded pedestrian and cyclist facilities.  

Deliverability 

The project is developed to a concept design level, which is suitable for the business case stage and provides a level of confidence in the constructability and the cost estimates.

Next Steps

Infrastructure Australia supports delivering the Barron River bridge upgrade to provide a long-term, safe, and reliable crossing over the Barron River, and support productivity and liveability in the Cairns and Northern Tablelands regions. 

We recommend the Queensland Government continues to progress the project through detailed design but closely monitor cost risk and price escalation as the project progresses.