First sod turned on historic Toowoomba Second Range Crossing

Minister for Main Roads Mark Bailey turned the first sod on the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (TSRC) today, marking the start of works on the $1.6 billion road project.

Minister Bailey said flow-on benefits to related industries and the local economy would follow because the contractor Nexus had pledged to source more than 75 per cent of goods and services locally.

“The TSRC will not only deliver long-term benefits to Queensland, but will also support an estimated 1800 direct and indirect jobs in the Toowoomba region during the three-year design and construction phase,” Mr Bailey said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to creating local jobs now and for the future and that’s why we are committing over $321 million to this important project.

“It is the type of infrastructure project we need to assist Queensland to improve the efficiency of freight movements and this will encourage future economic development in the region.

“Nexus’ contract covers the full design and construction of the TSRC, including road and pavements, cuttings, structures, and underground services, plus the 25-year operations contract of the toll road.

 “Cultural heritage and flora and fauna surveys are also well advanced along the corridor between Helidon Spa to the east and Athol, west of Toowoomba.

“Nexus will also begin procurement and site establishment before the end of the year, with major construction works expected to start in April 2016.

“This will allow over-dimension vehicles and all classes of vehicles carrying dangerous good, such as explosives, to use the bypass and not the city’s streets.”

Heavy vehicles will have the capacity to avoid 18 sets of traffic lights in Toowoomba, saving them up to 40 minutes each way.

The Australian Government has committed up to $1.285 billion to fund the project and the Queensland Government has committed $321 million.

The Toowoomba Second Range Crossing is expected to open in late 2018.

ENDS

Media contact: Alex Chamberlain (07) 3719 7316, 0406 544 142