Bypass always a toll road
Some residents not aware they’d pay to use the road
WHILE it was never a secret the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing would be a toll road, some residents were not aware motorists and truckies would have to pay to use the road.
An online discussion started when a Toowoomba resident posted a photo on Facebook of a Toowoomba bypass highway sign with Brisbane Toll written underneath.
It was shared more than 100 times and received hundreds of comments with many people unaware of the charge.
The Chronicle asked its readers in a poll if they knew it was a toll road and out of almost 900 people who responded to the poll, 56% had no idea.
Laiza Sherar said: “It’s the Airport Link and Legacy Way tunnels all over again. They won’t get enough vehicles going through if the toll is too expensive, so they raise the toll price.”
Debbie Mintram said: “I did not know there was going to be a toll. I am sure one of the politicians said it would be toll free.”
Kirsty Mason said: “I never knew there would be a toll. Until now I thought it
was free.”
The Chronicle has been reporting on the toll charge since its announcement.
In April 2014 Ian Macfarlane as the Minister for Industry said it was the government’s intention all along.
In May last year Kapsch TrafficCom Australia Pty Ltd won the contract to design, construct and maintain a roadside tolling system.
It will be compulsory for trucks to use the bypass and although a tolling system
will be in place, a cost has yet to be announced.
Those that already knew about the toll, were divided in opinion as to whether they thought it was fair.
Jeannie Johnston said: “I am not at all surprised. Tolls are a fact of life nowadays. The revenue is supposed to help costs in maintaining the road. Given that the Second Range Crossing’s major traffic will be heavy haulage, maintenance costs will be
high.”
Nick Barron said: “I knew it was going to be a toll road all along. That information was released as soon as the Second Range Crossing was released... if not soon after.”
Lewis John said: “Fair enough that it is a toll road but they shouldn’t be charging and arm and leg to travel on it.”
Sharon Rudd said: “Yes there is a toll but trucks save heaps in fuel so will in theory save money.”
The Chronicle understands it will be about $50 for trucks to complete a two-way trip on the bypass.
A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesman said a toll cost would not be finalised until next year.
“Tolls will be finalised prior to the opening of the road in late 2018, weather permitting,” he said.
“Outside of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, there are no plans to toll the Warrego Hwy.”