The $1.6 billion Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (TSRC) has successfully been completed and is now officially open to traffic.
The TSRC is a 41km-long bypass route to the north of Toowoomba, including an 800m-long viaduct, which will make transportation more efficient and taking trucks out of central Toowoomba.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, said that the TSRC is a monumental project for the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley communities.
“It is the 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.”
Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said that after creating more than 3,700 local jobs during construction, the crossing would now play a vital role supporting ongoing growth of the region and state’s industries.
“It means our world-class exports can get to their destination quicker, and motorists across Toowoomba, the Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley can get home safer.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, said the project had the backing of the heavy vehicle industry and peak motoring groups, relieving pressure on Toowoomba’s roads.
“The opening of the TSRC marks the return of James Street to the Toowoomba community, the beginning of a more efficient future for our truckies and is fantastic news for our regional economy.”
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport and Federal Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz, said that the completion of one of the largest road transport projects in Australia’s history was a milestone for the region and would 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.”
Federal Member for Groom, John McVeigh, said that the opening of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing was an historic moment for the Toowoomba region, many decades in the making.
The $1.6 billion Toowoomba Second Range Crossing was jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $1.137 billion and the Queensland Government contributing the remainder through Public Private Partnership contract arrangements.
