The $152 million Smithfield Bypass will improve road network traffic conditions north of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland (TNQ). It addresses congestion on a section of the Captain Cook Highway between McGregor Road and the Cairns Western Arterial Road, including key interchanges.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) adopted a policy that all projects above $100 million must attain at least an ‘Excellent’ Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) rating. This requirement was relatively new, especially to TNQ.

TMR entrusted the Highway Construction Albem Joint Venture (HAJV) to construct the bypass. Albem had participated on other IS rated projects but had not led any. Highway Construction had no prior IS rating experience in Queensland.

HAJV appointed Losee Consulting to inject additional expertise to navigate the rating process and meet TMR’s expectations. Initially, our role was to complete the Base Case Proposal and energy modelling. We went on to help prepare and review the Design submission.

Despite an uncertain start, the project achieved its ‘Excellent’ Design rating. We are continuing to assist with the As Built rating.