Toowoomba Second Range Crossing officially opens

Freight movers working into Queensland are set to take advantage of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (TSRC) following its official opening.

The 41-kilometre long bypass rerouting trucks around central Toowoomba includes an 800 metre long viaduct and will play an important role in growing the Lockyer Valley and Darling Downs regions and state industries.

Many decades in the making, TSRC is considered one of the largest road transport projects in Australian history.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, speaking at the official opening said the project had the backing of the heavy vehicle industry and peak motoring groups, relieving pressure on Toowoomba’s roads.

“Today marks the return of James Street to the Toowoomba community, the beginning of a more efficient future for our truckies and is fantastic news for our regional economy,” he said.

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport and Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz said called it a milestone for the region and would relieve pressure on local roads, enhance safety and improve productivity.

“This project will be transformational for our region, taking thousands of heavy vehicles off the range crossing, reducing travel times and enhancing the liveability of nearby residents in my community of the Lockyer Valley,” he said.

Federal Member for Groom John McVeigh said the opening of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing was an historic moment for the Toowoomba region, many decades in the making.

“Many people over many years have contributed to this very important event in our region’s history," he said.

"Today we celebrate that contribution and look forward with great optimism to the many benefits the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing will deliver to our community,” said McVeigh.

The $1.6 billion Toowoomba Second Range Crossing was jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $1.137 billion and the Queensland Government contributing the remainder through Public Private Partnership contract arrangements.