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Operators mark historic Toowoomba crossing trip

Frasers Livestock Transport and South East Queensland Hauliers get first drive on bypass

 

Frasers Livestock Transport and South East Queensland Hauliers (SEQH) have claimed a slice of history after becoming the first heavy vehicle operators to traverse the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (TSRC).

The ribbon was cut on the $1.6 billion project, a 41-kilometre-long bypass route to the north of Toowoomba which includes an 800-metre-long viaduct.

“This is a monumental project for the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley communities and a centrepiece of our $100 billion nationwide infrastructure investment that is getting Australians to where they need to be sooner and safer – including in our regions,” federal transport minister Michael McCormack says at the opening.

Fraser’s and SEQH are both members of the Queensland Trucking Association (QTA), which was notably involved in negotiating toll costs for industry.


Read more on the toll pricing for the TSRC, here


“Proud to have two of our members have the first trucks to drive the Toowoomba Bypass at the Department of Transport and Main Roads (Queensland) official opening,” the QTA says.

“Frasers Livestock Transport and South East Queensland Hauliers along with the rest of the road freight industry will be maximising the efficiency and productivity gains for this new freight lane – 150km [with] no traffic lights straight through to the Port of Brisbane.”

“Congratulations and thank you to all parties involved in reaching this milestone that has endless benefits to a wide range of industries and businesses,” SEQH notes in a social media statement.

The QTA adds that it is currently working with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to ensure vehicles operating under existing Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) notices or permits will be able to access the Toowoomba Bypass without having to re-apply.

Assistant minister for road safety and freight transport Scott Buchholz says the completion of one of the largest road transport projects in Australia’s history was a milestone for the region and will relieve pressure on local roads, enhance safety and improve productivity.

“This project will be transformational for our region, taking thousands of heavy vehicles off the range crossing, reducing travel times and enhancing the liveability of nearby residents in my community of the Lockyer Valley,” Buchholz says.

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