Warrego Highway upgrades underway around Dalby

The Warrego Highway through Dalby is undergoing an eagerly awaited makeover as construction gets underway this week on upgrades to the eastern and western approaches to the town.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the upgrades would improve safety for all road users travelling through Dalby.

“The Dalby Eastern and Western Access Upgrade projects are all about improving safety, with extra pedestrian crossings, traffic lights and improved street lighting being put in place. These two projects are among 15 being delivered as part of the Australian Government's $508 million commitment to upgrade the Warrego Highway between Toowoomba to Miles,” Mr Chester said.

Acting Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Steven Miles said as well as benefiting the local community, the upgrades would also help the freight industry get goods to domestic and international markets more efficiently.

“These two projects will benefit heavy vehicle operators in the agriculture, resources and tourism industries, by reducing delivery times and operational costs. Improvements, such as dedicated right-turn lanes at all major intersections of the Warrego Highway through Dalby, will make travelling along this section of the highway safer and more efficient,” Mr Miles said.

Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the project was also expected to reduce traffic noise for Dalby residents.

“A new product will be used on the asphalt surface to reduce highway noise, which is great news for local residents. The two projects will upgrade a total of about seven kilometres, and are planned to be done simultaneously to minimise disruption to drivers and the community,” Mr Littleproud said.

Construction on the Dalby Western Access Upgrade and the Dalby Eastern Access Upgrade are due to be completed in late 2018, weather permitting.

The Australian Government has committed $47.2 million to Dalby Western Access Upgrade and $44.8 million to the Dalby Eastern Access Upgrade. The Queensland Government has committed $11.8 million and $11.2 million to the projects respectively.

The $635 million Warrego Highway Upgrade Program is a package of 15 works funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on an 80:20 funding split arrangement.

Media Contact for Mr Miles: Dominic Geiger, 0447355565