Construction begins on new Warrego Highway overtaking lanes

Construction has begun on eight new overtaking lanes on the Warrego Highway between Oakey and Dalby in Queensland, which is part of the wider package of safety works on the key heavy vehicle route.

The upgrades are aimed to improve driver safety and travel times on the route.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said in a statement that it was one of 15 projects that make up the wider Warrego Highway upgrade between Toowoomba and Miles.

“A large number of heavy vehicles use the Warrego Highway to link with other major freight routes in Queensland, and this will be a vital upgrade to improve travel times,” Mr Chester said.

“Each of the projects, including this $44 million overtaking lanes project, will make the highway safer to accommodate growing traffic volumes between Toowoomba and Miles.”

Queensland Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey said FK Gardner and Sons had won the contract, and started work on the project last week.

“Up to 136 direct jobs will be supported throughout the life of the project, which is great news for the local area.”

The project project is part of the larger $635 million Warrego Highway Upgrade Program, jointly funded with the Australian Government contributing up to 80 per cent and the Queensland Government contributing up to 20 per cent.