Queensland unveils Warrego Highway masterplan
The Queensland Government has launched its masterplan for the coming 20 year Warrego Highway Upgrade Strategy.
“This detailed strategy sets out our vision for the Warrego Highway which includes the construction of the Toowoomba Bypass, extra overtaking lanes, upgraded intersections and widened stretches of road,” State Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace said.
The plan identifies 41 priorities to ensure the highway will improve safety, capacity, efficiency, reliability and flood immunity.
“The Warrego Highway has long been the lifeblood of southern and south-western communities and will continue to play a crucial role in the economic development of the state as the energy sector in the Surat Basin gathers pace,” Mr Wallace said.
“Our comprehensive plan will take the Warrego Highway to 2031 and beyond, ensuring it meets the needs of regional communities, industry and emerging development.
“The Warrego Highway is the second-highest trafficked rural highway in Queensland, carrying more than 23,000 vehicles between Ipswich and Toowoomba and over 5,000 vehicles between Oakey and Dalby each day, with these figures expected to more than double over the next 20 years.
The key points of the plan include:
- Construction of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing;
- Intersection upgrades, extra overtaking opportunities and installation of guardrails;
- Construction of interchanges, widening and strengthening the highway, and the duplication of lanes;
- General highway upgrades to improve safety, capacity and flood immunity.
The masterplan can be found here