Motorway future for Warrego Highway
08 April 2019
Planning is underway for the
longer-term upgrade of the
Warrego Highway to
motorway standard from
Dinmore to Helidon Spa, east of
Toowoomba.
Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said the Palaszczuk Government was
getting started on concept planning now to meet future demand.
"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 twenty years," Mr Madden said.
"To meet future demand, the Palaszczuk Government is getting on with the
job of developing plans for the interchanges and local service roads
we'll need for a Warrego motorway.
"By upgrading existing intersections with motorway-style interchanges we
can increase the safety, efficiency and flood resilience of this
critical link in the nation's freight network."
Member for Bundamba Jo-Ann Miller said consultation would be an
important part of the Palaszczuk Government's planning for future
upgrades of the Warrego Highway.
"Planning for the upgrade of the 80 kilometres from Dinmore to Helidon
Spa on the state's second busiest rural highway is in its preliminary
stages," Ms Miller said.
"As that planning progresses, the Palaszczuk Government 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
underway for safety works at key Warrego Highway intersections including
$550,000 for the Haigslea-Amberley Road.
"The Palaszczuk Government will be focused on key safety projects that
are consistent with our vision for a Warrego motorway," Mr Bailey said.
"We already have a $635 million partnership with the
Federal Government
for safety upgrades west of Toowoomba with the Warrego Highway Upgrade
Program.
"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."
The Warrego Highway is part of the National Land Transport Network
(NLTN) which the Federal Government has primary, 80 percent funding
responsibility for.
--ENDS--
Source: Queensland Government - www.statements.qld.gov.au
Contact: Media Contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078
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