The Government of Queensland in Australia has said that works have been initiated at four locations for the construction of eight new overtaking lanes on the Warrego Highway, located in southern Queensland.

The construction of these new overtaking lanes will improve travel times and ensure the safety of drivers travelling on this highway. The contract for constructing the new overtaking lanes has been awarded to FK Gardner and Sons.

Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said: “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.

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

“Each of the projects, including this A$44m ($32.5m) overtaking lanes project, will make the highway safer to accommodate growing traffic volumes between Toowoomba and Miles.”

Chester further explained that it is one of 15 projects that make up the wider Warrego Highway upgrade between Toowoomba and Miles.

Queensland Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey said: “FK Gardner and Sons is an experienced construction group with offices across Queensland. It’s great to know the company was originally established in South West Queensland.

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

This A$44m ($32.5m) project is part of the larger A$635m ($469.7m) Warrego Highway Upgrade Programme, which is jointly funded by the Australian Government contributing up to 80% and the Queensland Government contributing up to 20%.