The Toowoomba Second Range Crossing a $1.6 billion infrastructure investment project will officially open on 8 September 2019.
The upgrade aims to transform the national freight network in the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley regions, in Queensland.
The project involves building four lanes from the Warrego Highway east interchange to the west interchange, along with grade separated intersections and connections on various parts of the road.
It also includes an around 30 metre deep cutting at the top of the range to ensure all vehicles can pass through and an 800 metre long viaduct over the existing Queensland rail lines, as well as the construction of arch bridges to continue the New England highway over the cutting.
The project was delivered by the Nexus Infrastructure a consortium comprising of Transfield Services, Plenary Group, Cintra Infraestructuras Internacional S.A., Acciona Concesiones S.L., Acciona Infrastructure Australia and Ferrovial Agroman Australia.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the project would significantly reduce travel times across the range and deliver a safer, more efficient connection to ports and markets.
“Connecting the Warrego Highway at Helidon Spa in the east to the Gore Highway at Athol in the west, the new Toowoomba Second Range Crossing will form a vital strategic link within Australia’s national freight network and Toowoomba’s emerging intermodal network,” Mr. McCormack said.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the project would make life easier for residents of Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley areas.
“With trucks being redirected away from Toowoomba’s central business district, pressure will be taken off local roads,” Mr. Bailey said.
“The opening of the crossing in September will be the moment that the decades of dedication and hard work from so many people to see this road built is finally achieved.”
To celebrate the opening of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing a community day will be held on 7 September and a marathon will be run on 8 September.
Related stories:
- Contractor progressing with $1.6B Toowoomba Crossing
- Western half of Toowoomba Second Range Crossing opens
- NatRoad weighs in on Toowoomba crossing