With seven of 19 projects underway, works contractors will need warning
The Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has written to heavy vehicle owners and operators with an update on its Warrego Highway Upgrade Program (WHUP).
WHUP involves $635 million in works to improve safety and freight efficiency between Toowoomba and west of Miles.
“It is made up of 18 projects, with seven currently underway or set to begin, each with their own contractor team delivering the build,” District Director (Darling Downs) Dereck Sanderson writes.
“This means that wide and heavy loads must call ahead to each site to let the project managers know they are headed through.”
Read the initial warning to trucking on Warrego Highway works here
The map shows the projects, with more information on each and their respective phone numbers below.
Dalby Eastern and Dalby Western Access Upgrades (0459 864 343)
The Warrego Highway upgrades through Dalby extend from east of Winton Street to west of Watt Street, with four lanes to just west of the Black Street intersection. New traffic signals, dedicated turning lanes and a centre median strip are some of the highway changes.
The highway on the western end of the project is being realigned south of the existing highway, with the old highway to become a service road for commercial premises in the industrial estate. Construction on the $155 million project began in August 2017 and is expected to be completed in late 2018 by the FKG McIlwain Joint Venture.
Dalby-Miles Overtaking Lanes (0412 394 027)
The $35 million project is constructing seven overtaking lanes (four westbound and three eastbound) at regular intervals between Dalby and Miles. The contractor, Downer Group, began works in late January with the project expected to be complete in late this year.
Oakey to Miles safety upgrade (1300 256 773)
This $40 million project will improve the safety of the busiest sections of the Warrego Highway between Oakey and Miles. Contractor, FKG Group, started construction in January 2018 with the project expected to be complete in late 2018. Works include the upgrade of six intersections, signage improvements, road widening east and west of Brigalow, and the removal of roadside hazards.
Miles Western Access Upgrade (1300 024 755)
This $24 million upgrade will improve road safety and freight efficiency, particularly heavy vehicle movements at the Leichhardt Highway (south) and Leichhardt Highway (north) intersections and through the township of Miles. Contractor FKG Group began works in May, with the project expected to be complete by the end of the year.
Drillham to Palardo Upgrade (1300 443 754)
This $11 million project will widen identified narrow sections of the highway and replace culverts between west of the Wallan Creek Road intersection and the Palardo turnoff. An upgrade to Waituna Road intersection is included. McIlwain Civil began works in May, with the project expected to be complete by the end of the year.
Chinchilla Open Level Rail Crossing Upgrade (TBC at tender award)
This project will provide much-needed safety improvements at the western Queensland rail line open level crossing at the Warrego Highway and Wambo Street intersection, as well as significant drainage works across the highway. The intersection will be upgraded with dedicated turning lanes, emergency vehicle access and signalised railway boom gates. Construction is expected to start in September and take about 12 months to complete.
TMR says Information on traffic disruptions can be gained by phoning 13 19 40 or access the free QLDTrafficapp, which allows drivers to key in their preferred travel routes and receive reliable traffic advice.
For questions or concerns, contact the WHUP team on 07 4639 0777 or email WHUP@tmr.qld.gov.au.