Work on Noah Creek Bridge this month is crucial to maintaining timelines for a new structure to be built from July 2026. Photos: Supplied.
Construction of a new Noah Creek Bridge set to begin in July 2026 will pave the way to better conditions for Cape York travellers through the Daintree.
The bridge will be built to withstand future disasters, providing a stronger, more resilient connection for Far North communities after Tropical Cyclone Jasper severely damaged the structure in late 2023.
Douglas Shire Council Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the announcement marked a significant milestone for the region.
“This is a long-awaited project and I’m pleased we now have a confirmed start date,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“The bridge is a key link between Cape Tribulation, Wujal Wujal and other Daintree communities. It supports the delivery of goods, tourism operations and everyday travel for locals.”
To maintain access during construction, scheduled for completion in late 2026, a temporary bypass will be built alongside the existing bridge.
In the meantime, upgrades to the current bridge will continue. Large, purpose-built, timber girders are expected to arrive onsite in coming weeks and be installed by the end of October.
This work will return the bridge’s minimum 16-tonne load rating and allow service vehicles such as waste collection trucks and emergency services to resume access.
The $12 million reconstruction and betterment project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) with co-contributions from Douglas Shire Council.
Member for Cook David Kempton said the critical funding was key to strengthening the state against disasters of increased frequency and severity.
“This bridge has been way overdue for a replacement for a decade and I’m pleased to confirm we are able to get on with the job,” he said.
“With this announcement, residents across the Far North can look forward to safe and reliable access across Noah Creek on a bridge that will serve the region for many years to come.”
Daytime works on Noah Creek Bridge will now give way to a 10-day repair schedule planned for overnight to minimise traffic impact. The bridge will close 6:30 pm to 6 am from Monday 13 October to Wednesday 22 October 2025 during this work.
Tropical Cyclone Jasper severely impacted the Noah Creek Bridge structure.
