New projects will keep Warrego Highway moving

THE first road works funded under the $635 million Warrego Highway Upgrade Package have been approved, with $110 million to be spent on the first stage of an upgrade for the Toowoomba to Oakey section.

Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the project would duplicate 5.7 kilometres of the Warrego Highway, providing two lanes in each direction between Charlton and Cotswold Hills, to the west of Toowoomba. 

“We are prioritising construction of this section of the Warrego Highway because it will intersect with the future Toowoomba Second Range Crossing,” Mr Truss said.

“The Warrego Highway connects the agricultural and resource regions west of Toowoomba to the Port of Brisbane, so the economic potential of these upgrades is enormous.

“In fact, every dollar spent on this project will return to the economy more than five times the cost of our investment.

“We know that our regions are the backbone of our economy, which is why the Australian Government is prioritising the infrastructure that our regions need to prosper.”

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson said that beyond the significant economic benefits, the project was part of a strong plan to deliver safety improvements for drivers on the Warrego Highway.

“The duplication will separate eastbound and westbound traffic, markedly reducing the chance of head-on collisions and allow a better transport flow of goods and services,” Mr Emerson said.

“Truck drivers, farmers and commuters will all look forward to construction on the project starting early next year, with completion due at the end of 2016.”

The Australian Government has committed up to $88 million to the project, with the Queensland Government providing $22 million.

Media Contacts

For Mr Truss:                      Brett Heffernan                   0467 650 020

For Mr Emerson:                Stephanie Shield                0418 186 625