Warrego Highway

Australia has announced that the first stage of the $635m Warrego Highway upgrade package is underway and works are expected to start on stage one of the project.

Deputy prime minister and minister for infrastructure and regional development Warren Truss said the project would duplicate the highway between Toowoomba and Oakey stretching from Nugents Pinch Road to Leeson Road.

"This $110m package of works will create two lanes in each direction for 5.7km," Truss said.

"This section of the highway carries more than 15,000 vehicles each day, which is set to increase to 30,000 over the next 20 years.

The latest upgrades provide separation between opposing traffic streams, intersection upgrades and new turning lanes and are expected to improve safety on Warrego Highway.

"This section of the highway carries more than 15,000 vehicles each day, which is set to increase to 30,000 over the next 20 years."

As part of the upgrades, a grade-separated intersection will be built at Troys Road, traffic signals will be installed in addition to the realignment of the Charlton Pinch Road and Gowrie Junction Road intersections.

The upgrade will make the journey easier, while easing congestion for commuters and freight operators alike.

Traffic flow will not be interrupted during the work even when the construction of the new traffic lanes occurs alongside the existing highway.

Seymour Whyte Constructions is undertaking the upgrade and hopes to complete it by late 2016.

The Warrego Highway upgrade work has secured $508m from the Australian Government, which provided $88m of funding for stage one of the project, while the Queensland government provided $22m.

Image: Warrego Highway at Haigslea, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. Photo: courtesy of Shiftchange.