Another milestone has been reached in the delivery of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing with the opening of the Griffiths Street Corridor Upgrade providing a vital link to the New England Highway at Harlaxton.
Assistant Minister for Roads and Transport Scott Buchholz said the upgrade was part of the jointly funded $1.6 billion Second Range Crossing project, which will build a bypass to the north of Toowoomba.
“As part of the TSRC, the Griffiths Street upgrade will increase road safety and efficiency, particularly for motorists located in the northern Toowoomba and Highfields area,” Mr Buchholz said.
“This upgrade is an important piece in the delivery of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing and another example of all levels of government working together to deliver significant infrastructure for the Toowoomba region.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said with the region’s population expected to grow to more than 204,000 over the next two decades, the Griffiths Street upgrade would also accommodate the growing Toowoomba community.
“Toowoomba is a critical link in the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Land Transport Network, and the Griffiths Street upgrade is a huge win for locals, businesses and the Toowoomba economy,” Mr Bailey said.
Federal Member for Groom John McVeigh said the scope of the upgrade included the construction of a roundabout on Griffiths Street at the Old Goombungee Road intersection.
“This provides an east-west connection for residents and businesses, which can accommodate B-Double trucks,” Dr McVeigh said.
“The upgrade also provided the opportunity to undertake landscaping works. This has resulted in an upgrade that is in keeping with the local community setting.”
Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden attended the opening and said safety was also an important aspect of the project, with new road lighting installed and turning lanes along Griffiths Street extended.
“As part of the project, crews were able to carry out significant drainage upgrades along Griffiths Street and install traffic calming in nearby local streets,” Mr Madden said.
“I want to thank locals for their patience, and for importantly supporting local businesses during the upgrade. An important part of this project was making sure business access was maintained while works were underway.
“This project is a great example of all levels of government working together to deliver a significant upgrade for the Toowoomba community.”
The $10.1 million project was part of the $1.6 billion Toowoomba Second Range Crossing project, which is being jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on an 80:20 basis.
