Crossing run gets backing
Marathon idea gains support
SHOULD the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing open with a public marathon? Residents support the idea.
Readers of The Chronicle had their say on a proposal from Toowoomba Councillor Geoff McDonald, who suggested the $1.6 billion project could be officially opened with a marathon in honour of runners Roger and Jill Guard, victims of the Malaysian Airlines disaster in 2014.
Eighty-six per cent of respondents to an online poll supported the concept, with only 14% wanting to see something different.
The concept of a marathon also had broad support from readers on Facebook, with the majority of the nearly 100 comments backing the idea.
However, some readers thought a full run of the 43km bypass was fanciful.
“Maaaaaaybe not just a marathon. Maybe a few different distances.” Ory Bo said.
“I think it’s a great idea, especially in honour of Roger and Jill,” Judi Gray added.
Other readers suggested adding a cycling leg to the event, while some were more interested in seeing it opened to vehicles.
“Here’s an idea, let’s hurry up and build it so vehicles can actually use it,” James McAuley said.
Cr McDonald said a special event like a marathon would attract visitors from across Queensland to celebrate the
People will remember that day they were part of it.
— Geoff McDonald
opening of the bypass.
“People will remember that day they were part of it - while they’re driving over it, they’ll know they walked over it,” he said.
“People will travel quite a way to do that, because it’s one of the largest inland road projects in Australia’s history.”
Nexus Infrastructure is expected to finish the bypass later next year.
WHAT do you think? Let us know at news@thechronicle.com.au.