Another $44 million has been invested on the Warrego Highway Upgrade program for the construction of eight new overtaking lanes between Dalby and Oakey.
According to Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester, up to $35.12 million in Federal funding has been approved for the project and the Queensland Government will be also investing up to $8.78 million.
“These new overtaking lanes will improve driver safety and haulage efficiency and benefit all users of the highway, including road freight operators and tourists who underpin much of the region’s economy.
“Funding is being drawn from the $635 million jointly committed by the Australian and Queensland governments to upgrade the Warrego Highway between Toowoomba and Miles, and is part of our commitment to reduce road trauma across Australia,” Mr Chester said.
Mr Chester said that various strategies are being rolled out through different local, state and federal initiatives which will help improve the roads all across the country. These strategies include the duplication of major highways, installation of road safety barriers, road shoulders widening as well as better lighting, tactile line marking, improved signage and increasing the number of rest areas.
Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Mark Bailey said that construction on the Dalby to Oakey Overtaking Lanes project is expected to commence in January 2017 and be completed by late 2017.
“This project will involve constructing east and west-bound overtaking lanes at four locations on the Dalby to Oakey stretch.
“Drivers will be able to overtake slower vehicles much safer than is currently provided for on those stretches of the Warrego,” said Mr Bailey.
According to Mr Bailey, travel times as well as serious crashes are expected to decrease significantly once the project is completed.
John McVeigh, Federal Member for Groom, said that the new overtaking lanes were part of a bigger package of enabling infrastructure which will help boost the Queensland economy.
“We need to plan and build now to capitalise on these projects to ensure future supply chains are in place when they are needed,” Mr McVeigh said.
According to Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud, the Warrego Highway Upgrade program will provide a major increase in connectivity and economic growth.
“The Warrego is a vital highway network in the Maranoa and this Coalition Government commitment not only increases road safety but also strengthens the transport network for locals and the agricultural, tourism and the resources industries,” Mr Littleproud said.
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