The Australian and Queensland Governments have approved funding for three more upgrades under Queensland’s Warrego Highway Upgrade Program, bringing the total number of project in the program to 18.
The three additional projects, totalling $80.19 million, are being jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $64.15 million and the Queensland Government providing $16.04 million.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, said an initial 15 approved projects were identified and funded under the $635 million program, seven of which have now been completed, and thanks to a competitive tender process and contractor efficiencies savings are being returned towards further upgrades.
“Some sections of the Warrego Highway are still below acceptable safety standards, which is why the Government is investing in targeted, priority upgrades such as road widening, pavement strengthening, intersection upgrades and new overtaking lanes,” Mr McCormack said.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, welcomed the announcement that the next three priority upgrades will be able to proceed.
“Thanks to cost efficiencies in delivering the existing package of 15 upgrades, additional works will now be able to proceed on the Carroll Creek Culvert Replacement project, along with further upgrades between Dalby and Miles and between Oakey and Miles,” Mr Bailey said.
Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the additional upgrades would continue to improve highway’s efficiency and safety.
“The Carroll Creek Culvert Replacement will avoid the need to impose a load limit on that section of the highway, reducing maintenance costs and improving productivity for road freight operators and the key regional industries they serve.
“This is about making our network safer for locals, truckies and tourists. We want people getting home sooner and safer.”
Queensland Agriculture Minister, Mark Furner, said further upgrades between Dalby to Miles would include pavement widening, audio tactile line markings and wider centrelines to tackle the risk of head-on collisions.
“Stage 2 of the Oakey to Miles Safety Upgrade will involve building new rest stops and removing a dangerous drop-off at the road’s edge, along with roadside hazards that can prove fatal in run-off oad crashes.
“The Warrego is a key highway that provides vital access for our agricultural producers to marketplaces in Brisbane and along the coast.”
