The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) advises works on the Warrego Highway on the Toowoomba Range section will be ramped up to 24 hours a day, six days a week to provide two lane operations on the up lanes while adjacent work continues. This is expected to be carried out by end of June, weather permitting.
TMR has redesigned the 350-metre long rock protection wall on the left side of the westbound lanes near the top of the Range, using a slip-form methodology so it requires less space. Temporary widening will be required to provide room for two lanes and the work area for this wall.
This wall will protect vehicles from rock falls and landslides, such as those experienced after the heavy storms and the devastating flood in 2011.
A single lane will need to remain closed to enable work on the eastbound down lanes.
The early works on the eastbound down lanes involve:
widening the existing carriageway in sections as a minor realignment,
earthworks and treatments to make the slopes above the road surface safer, and starting construction of a new section of road between the existing up and down lanes.
This realignment will place both carriageways together from the mid-section known as the “Saddle” up the Range as far as the intersection with Stevenson Street.
There will still be delays, but TMR has put in place a number of measures to ensure disruptions are kept to a minimum.
These measures include:
TMR has stationed tow trucks for heavy and light vehicles on the Range from 6am to 8pm Monday to Friday so that breakdowns can be removed quickly to the nearest safe location,
TMR has hired variable message signs (VMS) to provide information for drivers approaching Toowoomba from Goondiwindi, Ipswich, Dalby, Warwick, and Crows Nest. These VMS boards will provide drivers with advance warning of significant delays on the Range, and
TMR has started using the Toowoomba Range SMS service again, and has sent out messages recently advising of heavy congestion. The service can be accessed at www.toowoombarangesms.com.au
In an effort to be of help in relieving traffic congestion on the Toowoomba Range, we have also received this advice from Tony Rehn of the Queensland Police Service.
“Some of you would already be aware of the following website showing the traffic situation on the Toowoomba Range. These images come from 6 different cameras which refresh every 60 seconds, and may be of assistance with your travel or that of your staff.”
Forwarded for your information by:
Tony Rehn
Crime Prevention Officer
Southern Region
Queensland Police Service
Ph 07 4631 6755 Fax 07 4615 3200
P.O. Box 144, Toowoomba Qld 4350
QPS website: www.police.qld.gov.au
13 1444 Police link – the new number to report non urgent incidents
Crimestoppers 1800 333 000
