Council acknowledges the traffic congestion affecting Walsh Street and Constance Street between Rankin Street and Herberton Street while essential infrastructure works are underway.
We understand works are causing traffic delays, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times. Traffic lanes have been reduced to ensure the safety of both road users and construction crews.
Why are these works being carried out?
Due to project deadlines and grant funding commitments, it was not possible to complete the projects at different times. Council will continue working on both projects simultaneously to ensure they are completed as quickly as possible while minimising further disruption to the community.
Project timelines
- Constance Street Sewer Main Upgrade: Works between Herberton Street and Rankin Street are expected to be completed by Friday, 7 August. The broader sewer main upgrade along Constance Street will continue and is scheduled for completion in early 2027.
- Walsh Street Stormwater Upgrade: The current stormwater upgrade works are expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Following this stage, crews will begin upgrades to stormwater pits and traffic medians, with the overall project scheduled for completion by November 2026.
What is Council doing to improve traffic flow?
Council has been actively working to reduce congestion during construction, including:
- Working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), which has adjusted traffic signal timings at the Rankin Street and Byrnes Street intersection to provide additional time for vehicles to move onto Byrnes Street.
- Maintaining traffic control measures on Walsh Street to support safe and efficient traffic flow.
- A traffic controller will be stationed at the intersection of Rankin Street and Constance Street to assist traffic movement during peak school traffic times.
How you can help
Mareeba is a growing community with ageing infrastructure, and these upgrades are essential to maintaining and improving services for residents.
Council appreciates the inconvenience these delays may cause and thanks the community for its patience and cooperation.
To help reduce congestion:
- If possible, avoid travelling on Walsh Street between Rankin Street and Herberton Street and use Byrnes Street instead.
- If travelling into Mareeba from the Cairns direction via the Kennedy Highway, consider continuing to the new traffic lights and turning right onto Byrnes Street rather than turning right onto Anzac Avenue. This will help stop congestion that is currently impacting Herberton Street.
- Please be patient and respectful towards other road users and traffic control staff.
- Avoid queuing across roundabouts or cutting across traffic, as this creates additional congestion and safety risks.
- Please give way to school buses leaving bus bays on Constance Street. School buses are operating to strict timetables and are working to get our children to and from school safely and on time.
Council sincerely thanks the community for its patience and understanding as these important infrastructure improvements are delivered and works continue to keep our community safe.