Upgrades to the Warrego Highway to the eastern and western approaches to the town of Dalby in southern Queensland have begun.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester, said the upgrades would improve safety for all road users travelling through Dalby.
“The Dalby Eastern and Western Access Upgrade projects are all about improving safety, with extra pedestrian crossings, traffic lights and improved street lighting being put in place.
“These two projects are among 15 being delivered as part of the Australian Government’s $508 million commitment to upgrade the Warrego Highway between Toowoomba to Miles,” Mr Chester said.
Acting Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports, Steven Miles, said as well as benefiting the local community, the upgrades would also help the freight industry get goods to domestic and international markets more efficiently.
“These two projects will benefit heavy vehicle operators in the agriculture, resources and tourism industries by reducing delivery times and operational costs. Improvements, such as dedicated right-turn lanes at all major intersections of the Warrego Highway through Dalby, will make travelling along this section of the highway safer and more efficient,” Mr Miles said.
Federal Member for Maranoa, David Littleproud, said the project was also expected to reduce traffic noise for Dalby residents.
“A new product will be used on the asphalt surface to reduce highway noise, which is great news for local residents. The two projects will upgrade a total of about seven kilometers, and are planned to be done simultaneously to minimise disruption to drivers and the community,” Mr Littleproud said.
Construction on the Dalby Western Access Upgrade and the Dalby Eastern Access Upgrade are expected to be completed in late 2018.
The Australian Government has committed $47.2 million to Dalby Western Access Upgrade and $44.8 million to the Dalby Eastern Access Upgrade. The Queensland Government has committed $11.8 million and $11.2 million to the projects respectively.
