EXTRA $75M SAFETY INVESTMENT IN WARREGO HIGHWAY

MORE than $75 million is being invested by the Australian and Queensland governments in a safer Warrego Highway from Oakey to Miles over coming months.

Construction tenders have been awarded to the Georgiou Group for the $63.6 million Dalby-Miles Pavement Widening and Safety Upgrades project and the $11.7 million Oakey-Miles Safety Upgrades Package 2.

Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack said the two projects would be delivered together, and incorporated four safety elements, identified during roadside safety reviews along the busy stretch.

“Six new car and truck stopping bays will be established between Oakey and Miles, and some trees removed within the clear zones, to reduce off-road crashes,” Mr McCormack said.

“The Warrego Highway Upgrade Program (WHUP) has already delivered several safety benefits, and these works will make our national highway even safer.

“I would like to thank the community for its ongoing patience and cooperation, while the five-year WHUP moves into its final stages.”

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said improving the safety of the Warrego Highway for western motorists and freight operators was a priority.

“The Warrego Highway is an important link to western Queensland for freight and visitors exploring the region for the Year of Outback Tourism,” Mr Bailey said.

“An average of 244 direct jobs and local skills are being supported over the life of the two projects, which is good news for western communities.

“Works include widening sections of Warrego Highway between Dalby and Miles to 12 metres and eliminating larger slopes along the edge of the highway to significantly boost safety. 

“Some sections between Oakey and Miles will also see a wider centre line added for better separation between high-speed west and east-bound traffic.

“The upgrades will improve safety for all motorists while helping to keep Queensland’s export industries moving as efficiently as possible.”  

Maranoa MP David Littleproud said the Warrego Highway was an important and major transport route through his electorate, connecting business with markets and helping to bring people home safely.

“These upgrades is great news for locals, tourists and truckies – creating jobs and helping to make our network safer,” Mr Littleproud said. 

Works will start in coming weeks with construction finishing early next year, weather permitting, and have a combined value of $75.3 million.

The $635 million Warrego Highway Upgrade Program is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments with Australian Government contributing 80 percent of the project cost.