The Federal Government has shortlisted three firms to submit proposals for a heavy vehicle bypass west of Brisbane.
The number of infrastructure firms in the running to build a new heavy vehicle bypass west of Brisbane has been narrowed to three.
The Federal Government has shortlisted Range Connect, RangeLink and Nexus to submit project proposals for Toowoomba second range crossing.
The $1.6 billion project will involve a 41km route that will end the need for trucks to use Toowoomba’s CBD.
“These consortia were chosen following their demonstrated capacity and capability to deliver on a project of this magnitude and recent relevant experience on various infrastructure projects,” federal infrastructure minister Warren Truss says.
Range Connect, RangeLink and Nexus have until early 2015 to submit their detailed proposals to the Federal Government for evaluation, with the final proponent set to be announced soon after.
Queensland state MP Trevor Watts, who holds the seat of Toowoomba North, has welcomed progress on the project.
“This is really important for Toowoomba. People who have not been up to Toowoomba do not realise just how significant it is to have 6,000 trucks drive through the centre of your town. Imagine that happening somewhere in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast,” Watts says.
“All of the goods, produce and raw materials that Brisbane thrives on and that are exported out of Queensland travel down the main road of Toowoomba. Having this bypass will make an enormous difference not just to the people of Toowoomba but to all the businesses based in Toowoomba.”
Once built, the second crossing will run from the Warrego Highway at Helidon to the Gore Highway at Athol and promises to reduce travel times across the Toowoomba range by 40 minutes.