Priority safety upgrades will soon commence on Warrego Highway

Safety upgrades on one of Queensland’s critical transport corridors – the Warrego Highway – will soon get underway between Toowoomba and Dalby. 

Planning is progressing on a series of road upgrades along the notorious 60-kilometre stretch of the highway – an area with a poor crash history. 

The upgrades will be delivered under the Targeted Road Safety Program, introducing a suite of cost-effective, high-impact safety improvements. 

“Our focus is on making our roads more reliable, efficient and safe to get you home sooner. 

“For too long, regional Queenslanders have been forgotten. We are delivering key safety upgrades to keep our regions moving. 

“This project is a critical step toward a safer, more efficient Warrego Highway, one of the key transport corridors in our national network,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said. 

Warrego Highway safety upgrades map (source: QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads)

The priority upgrades will include: 

• Install wide centre line treatment at select locations 

• Install audio tactile line marking at select locations 

• Install turning lanes at Speed Road, Oakey 

• Flatten batter/roadside edges 

• Install new road signage 

• Remove some vegetation and other hazards within the road corridor 

About 15,000 vehicles travel through this section of the Warrego Highway each day, making these safety upgrades crucial to keeping Queenslanders safe on this important freight corridor. 

Detailed design for the upgrades was completed in September 2025. Construction is expected to commence later this year and continue into 2026. Weather and conditions permitting, works are anticipated to be completed late next year. 

“The Warrego highway is more than just a road – it’s a freigt lifeline for Queensland to the west. 

“From grain and cattle to cotton and machinery, this highway carries the heartbeat of our region. 

“Not only that, but we also have locals and travellers on that road every day. These upgrades will make it safer and more efficient for everyone who relies on it,” Member for Condamine Pat Weir said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Infrastructure Magazine