Warrego Highway Upgrade Program Extended
02 October 2018
Federal Government: Three
more upgrades to
Queensland's
Warrego Highway are set to be funded,
bringing the total number of projects under the Australian and
Queensland Governments' Warrego Highway Upgrade Program to 18.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and
Regional Development Michael McCormack said an initial 15 approved
projects were identified and funded under the $635 million program,
seven of which have now been completed, and thanks to a competitive
tender process and contractor efficiencies savings are being returned
towards further upgrades.
“Some sections of the Warrego Highway are still below acceptable safety
standards, which is why the Government is investing in targeted,
priority upgrades such as road widening, pavement strengthening,
intersection upgrades and new overtaking lanes,” Mr McCormack said.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey welcomed
today's announcement, which means the next three priority upgrades will
be able to proceed.
“Thanks to cost efficiencies in delivering the existing package of 15
upgrades, additional works will now be able to proceed on the Carroll
Creek Culvert Replacement project, along with further upgrades between
Dalby and Miles and between Oakey and Miles,” Mr Bailey said.
Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the additional
upgrades would continue to improve highway's efficiency and safety.
“The Carroll Creek Culvert Replacement will avoid the need to impose a
load limit on that section of the highway, reducing maintenance costs
and improving productivity for road freight operators and the key
regional industries they serve,” Mr Littleproud said.
“This is about making our network safer for locals, truckies and
tourists. We want people getting home sooner and safer.”
Queensland Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said further upgrades
between Dalby to Miles would include pavement widening, audio tactile
line markings and wider centrelines to tackle the risk of head-on
collisions.
“Stage 2 of the Oakey to Miles Safety Upgrade will involve building new
rest stops and removing a dangerous drop-off at the road's edge, along
with roadside hazards that can prove fatal in run-offroad crashes,” he
said.
“The Warrego is a key highway that provides vital access for our
agricultural producers to marketplaces in
Brisbane and along the coast.”
The three additional projects, totalling $80.19 million, are being
jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $64.15 million
and the Queensland Government providing $16.04 million.
--ENDS--
Source: Australian Government - www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au
Contact: N/A
External Links: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Featured-projects/Warrego-Highway-Upgrade-Program
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