John Doyle Bridge Closed

Motorists will need to allow extra travel time as changed traffic conditions in Mareeba are now in place, following the temporary closure of John Doyle Bridge on Anzac Avenue.

The John Doyle Bridge will be temporarily closed to allow for major infrastructure works to take place.

Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin is asking motorists to be patient and considerate. “There will be disruptions on your daily commute to work however I am asking everyone to please be patient,” Cr Toppin said.

“The bridge needs to be upgraded or it faces the potential of being closed to all traffic.”

A traffic management plan has been endorsed and implemented by the Queensland Department of Main Roads (TMR) to ensure traffic flows effectively via alternative routes while the bridge is closed.

“Hundreds of vehicles cross the John Doyle bridge every day and this high volume of traffic will be diverted via Kennedy Highway which then puts added pressure on other major intersections,” Cr Toppin said.

“With only one entry into town from the east, traffic will be diverted along the Kennedy Highway onto Byrnes Street.

“Temporary traffic lights have been added to major intersections on the Kennedy Highway and Byrnes Street to ensure the traffic flow is safely maintained.

“As the Kennedy Highway and Byrnes Street are main roads and controlled by the State Government, certain measures have been imposed to ensure TMR requirements are met,” Cr Toppin explained.

“We understand that for some, this means they will be inconvenienced and have to travel through traffic lights to get to town while the bridge is closed.

“We appreciate that there will be a degree of inconvenience, however it is short term pain for long term gain,” Cr Toppin said.

Jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program and the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program, the project will include replacing the superstructure of the bridge with steel concrete and strengthen the existing concrete substructure. The works will increase the overall lifespan of the bridge, providing access to a significant residential area and a reliable transport route.

Council will work as quickly as possible to re-open the bridge, however it may be closed for up to four months. Safe pedestrian access will be available via a temporary foot -bridge.