Toowoomba Second Range Crossing on track

THE countdown is on to the announcement of the preferred bidder for the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing project.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the announcement is due mid-year, with the Australian Government committing funding on an 80:20 basis with the Queensland Government for the $1.6 billion project.

“This game-changing project is a vital piece of infrastructure which will support the Australian economy and the development of regional Queensland. This project will deliver significant economic benefits to the region and the wider state economy, as well as improve safety and efficiency for all motorists, including heavy vehicles,” Mr Truss said.

Federal Member for Groom Ian Macfarlane said the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing will support jobs for the region, reduce travel times and remove heavy vehicles from the city streets in Toowoomba.

“This Australian Government funding commitment is the largest single contribution to a Queensland road project since Federation. Toowoomba and Darling Downs residents will welcome this significant next step for the project, with the start of construction to follow soon,” Mr Macfarlane said.

Queensland Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey visited the site today and said the successful bidder would construct, operate and maintain the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing in a 25-year public-private partnership.

“Bids from the three shortlisted consortia – Nexus, RangeConnect and RangeLink – have been undergoing a rigorous evaluation process by specialists from Queensland Treasury and Transport and Main Roads,” Mr Bailey said.

“Motorists may have noticed preparatory works along the corridor of the Second Range Crossing, with some fencing and cultural heritage assessments already underway. Once completed, this project will provide commercial and heavy vehicles with an alternative crossing of the range to the North of Toowoomba. It will make a huge difference for drivers who travel this busy route.”

Queensland is contributing more than $321 million towards this important project.

“As an added bonus, it will generate 1800 direct jobs during the three-year construction period, at a time when job security is more important than ever,” he said.

Media Contact

For Minister Bailey:                      Stephen Johnson             0410 578 131