Project involves construction of overtaking lanes to improve road safety and haulage efficiency
South-east Queensland’s Warrego Highway will get eight new overtaking lanes between Dalby and Oakey as a result of a funding boost courtesy of the federal and state governments.
Transport and infrastructure minister Darren Chester says the $43.9 million combined funding boost will improve driver safety and haulage efficiency, and benefit road freight operators and all other road users.
While the federal government has committed to invest up to $35.12 million, the state government will add up to $8.78 million to fund construction.
“The funding is being drawn from the $635 million jointly committed by the Australian and Queensland governments to upgrade the Warrego Highway between Toowoomba and Miles, and is part of our commitment to reduce road trauma across Australia,” Chester says.
“Duplication of major highways, installation of road safety barriers, widening road shoulders, better lighting, tactile line marking, improved signage and increasing the number of rest areas are all strategies currently being rolled out through various local, state and federal initiatives.”
Queensland roads and road safety minister Mark Bailey says construction work on the east- and west-bound overtaking lanes at four locations on the Dalby to Oakey stretch is expected to begin in January and completed by the end of next year.
“Drivers will be able to overtake slower vehicles much safer than is currently provided for on those stretches of the Warrego,” Bailey says.
“Once the project is completed, travel times and the number of serious crashes recorded between Dalby and Oakey are expected to fall significantly, which is great news for road safety in the region.”
Federal member for Groom John McVeigh says the project will boost the southern Queensland economy.
“The federal government is helping facilitate the region’s growth by investing in key projects that will boost our economy,” McVeigh says.
“I am working with all levels of government to ensure investment occurs in the right projects so we can leverage every opportunity that comes our way.
“We need to plan and build now to capitalise on these projects to ensure future supply chains are in place when they are needed.”
Federal member for Maranoa David Littleproud says the highway upgrade project will increase road safety and also benefit the agricultural, resources and tourism industries.