Preparatory works are underway to upgrade the Back Creek Bridge at Cooyar, the last remaining single-lane bridge on Queensland’s New England Highway, thereby removing a long-standing constraint on freight and traffic movements.
Preliminary safety measures have now been completed, with technical investigations and construction planning progressing to support a broader upgrade that will improve safety, reliability and resilience on this critical regional freight corridor.
The New England Highway is a key north–south link for agricultural freight, livestock movements and regional supply chains across the Darling Downs and beyond. The single-lane configuration at Back Creek Bridge has long been recognised as a safety risk and an operational bottleneck, particularly for heavy vehicles navigating one-way traffic.
Treasurer David Janetzki said the project delivers on a long-standing commitment to improve safety and connectivity for regional communities.
“We’re delivering for communities across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs by acting on our commitment to fix the Back Creek Bridge,” Janetzki said. “This safety-enhancing project comes after years of advocacy from local communities.”
The upgrade scope includes reshaping the bridge to accommodate two traffic lanes, improving the intersection of the New England Highway and Cooyar-Rangemore Road, delivering safety upgrades at McDougall and Fergus Streets, and enhancing heavy vehicle stopping places in Cooyar.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the bridge approaches were well known for rear-end crashes, particularly where drivers misjudged the one-way crossing.
“This project is vital for improving safety on the New England Highway, supporting economic growth and enhancing liveability for the Cooyar community,” Mickelberg said. “The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job, restoring confidence in regional communities that they will be given the reliable and safe road network they deserve.”
For freight operators, the move to a two-lane bridge is expected to reduce delays, improve predictability and lower risk at a point that has constrained vehicle movements for years. Removing single-lane conflicts also improves safety outcomes for oversize loads and higher-productivity vehicles using the corridor.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the bridge was critical to keeping both locals and freight moving.
“Back Creek Bridge at Cooyar is crucial to keeping locals and freight moving on the New England Highway,” Frecklington said. “I know how many people rely on this bridge every day, and I’m proud the Crisafulli Government is delivering for our region.”
Detailed design will be informed by ongoing surveys, soil sampling and cultural heritage assessments, ensuring the upgraded bridge meets modern safety standards while supporting long-term freight and regional growth.