Major road upgrades in pipeline

Government starts Warrego Highway plans to prepare for future demand

CONCEPT planning has started for longer-term upgrades to an 80km stretch of the Warrego Highway east of Toowoomba.

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said the state government had started the planning to prepare for future demand on the highway.

“The four-lane Warrego Highway from Dinmore to Helidon Spa is the backbone of our growing region with traffic expected to double over the next 20 years,” Mr Madden said.

“By upgrading existing intersections with motorwaystyle interchanges we can increase the safety, efficiency and flood resilience of this critical link in the nation’s freight network.”

Member for Bundamba JoAnn Miller said consultation would be an important part of any upgrades along the highway.

“As that planning progresses, the Palaszczuk Govern- ment will be starting a conversation with land owners, industry and communities about the Warrego Highway’s future.

“With the Second Range Crossing nearing completion, the Warrego Highway will play an even greater role in connecting local communities and keeping Queensland’s freight moving.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said planning was already under way for safety works at key Warrego Highway intersections.

“We already have a $635 million partnership with the Federal Government for safety upgrades west of Toowoomba with the Warrego Highway Upgrade Program,” Mr Bailey said.

“Preliminary planning between Dinmore and Helidon Spa is the first step in assembling a suite of shovel-ready Warrego motorway projects for Federal Government funding.”