Up to $8.24 million in federal funding has been approved for the Miles Western Upgrade Project in Southern Queensland to create safer intersections and reduce the risk of crashes, with works to begin in early 2018.
The jointly funded Miles Western Upgrade Project, part of the Warrego Highway Upgrade Program (WHUP), will also boost freight transport time from the agriculture and resource rich Western Downs region to other parts of the country.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said up to $8.24 million in federal funding had been formally approved for the project.
“This is one of 15 projects being delivered as part of the Warrego Highway Upgrade Program (WHUP) between Toowoomba and Miles, which the Australian Government is delivering in partnership with the Queensland Government,” Mr Chester said.
“The Australian Government is investing $508 million towards the $635 million WHUP, to improve the Warrego Highway for freight vehicles and other drivers, making it a safer and more efficient route for vehicles.”
Acting Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Steven Miles said the Miles Western Access Upgrade would create safer intersections, reducing the risk of crashes by making turning movements safer.
“The Queensland Government is proud to be contributing $2.06 million for this vital project in a region that has experienced significant economic development in recent times,” Mr Miles said.
“The Warrego Highway is a vital travel and transport corridor—this upgrade will help the agriculture and resource industries, as well as making it easier for tourists to experience the beauty of inland Queensland. Construction on the project is expected to begin in March 2018 and be completed by early 2019.”
Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said works would focus on upgrading intersections, improving safety for pedestrians and vehicles travelling through the western section of Miles.
“Five sites have been identified for road safety improvements and will include highway widening, strengthening and resurfacing,” Mr Littleproud said.
“The intersections at Leichhardt Highway south/Dawson Street; Miles CBD; Tully Street; the rest area accesses; and Leichhardt Highway north will all be upgraded under this funding.”
The Miles Western Access upgrade is a jointly funded project, with the Australian Government committing up to $8.24 million and the Queensland Government $2.06 million.
