General News
2 October, 2025
Step forward in bridge project
A NEW bridge over the Barron River took another step forward this month with Expressions of Interest called for the design and construction of a replacement.
Qualified and experienced contractors have until 7 October to submit their applications to the Department of Transport and Main Roads, for the replacement of the Barron River bridge at Kuranda.
The move follows approval by the State Government earlier this year for the more than $400 million project to be the preferred option rather than refurbishing the existing structure.
The Barron River Bridge, constructed in 1963, is a vital link in commuting, tourism and transportation from Cairns to the Tablelands.
Since 2020, the bridge has been regularly closed, or open for one lane only, after fatigue cracks in certain steel components of the bridge were identified. This was due to decades of exposure to heavy vehicle loads.
The bridge replacement is expected to take a minimum of four years, with the existing bridge remaining in place until the project is completed.
