Works start on Toowoomba Second Range Crossing viaduct

Works began today on the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing viaduct – an 800m-long road bridge that will extend from the Lockyer Valley and cut through the Toowoomba Range at Mount Kynoch.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the viaduct would provide the key link between the Lockyer Valley and Toowoomba.

“The viaduct is a critical design feature of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (TSRC) project which will provide a safer, faster link in the National Land Transport Network,” Mr Chester said.

“The project involves the construction of a bypass route to the north of Toowoomba, approximately 41 kilometres in length, running from the Warrego Highway at Helidon in the east, to the Gore Highway at Athol in the west.”

Acting Queensland Main Roads Minister Leeanne Enoch said the viaduct was a key part of the $1.6 billion TSRC project. 

“The TSRC will not only deliver long-term benefits to Queensland, but will also support an estimated 1,800 direct and indirect jobs in the Toowoomba region,” Ms Enoch said.

“The viaduct will improve safety and productivity for heavy vehicles by eliminating the need to negotiate up to 18 sets of traffic lights in Toowoomba, saving them up to 40 minutes each way. It is an impressive piece of infrastructure that will support the growth of this part of Queensland well into the 21st century.”

Federal Member for Groom Dr John McVeigh welcomed the start of major works on the viaduct.

“The viaduct is integral to the TSRC, and will create an alternative crossing of the Toowoomba Range for trucks, away from the streets of Toowoomba,” Dr McVeigh said.

“When completed, the viaduct will also allow the TSRC to pass over the heritage-listed railway line at its western end without having any impact on rail operations.

“This is just one element of the TSRC project, which is due to be completed and operational by late 2018.”

The Australian Government is providing more than $1.1 billion to the $1.6 billion TSRC project, with the remainder funded by the Queensland Government.

Media Contact : Dan Lato - 0438830201