Nexus Second Range Crossing works shut down

WORKS on the $1.6bn project have come to a halt after another dangerous incident prompting outrage from minister Mark Bailey.

Super T deliveries for the second span of the 800m long viaduct of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing continued throughout September. Picture: Contributed

UPDATE 2PM: Minister of Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey has released a statement in the wake of the department halting works on the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing.

>>REVEALED: Why the Government shut down Second Range Crossing works

I was advised late yesterday that the Department of Transport and Main Roads has instructed the contractor delivering the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing to suspend work at piers two and three of the Viaduct section of the project.

This action follows two serious incidents at the project late last week which are under investigation by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

There is a well-documented history of health and safety incidents on this project, so these recent reports are extremely concerning and we are taking them very seriously.

These works are to remain suspended until:

• A period of 7 days from the date of receipt of the Notice; or
• An earlier time agreed with the State in writing, upon the State being satisfied that risk to health and safety is being managed in accordance with Best Industry Practices.

I am not satisfied with the operations on this site - the safety of workers is paramount.

That is why I instructed my Director General to appoint an independent audit of the site earlier this year.

That process has been underway. It was due to Government by the end of April, and I expect to receive a copy of the report later today.

It's also why Minister Grace and I took the unprecedented step of meeting with the principal contractor Nexus on site on 23 February 2018 to directly express the Government's concerns.

We made it clear that given there have been so many plant rollovers and serious concerns raised by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, we need to see a significant improvement.

It may be unusual for us to have taken this step but these are unusual circumstances and should underscore the gravity with which the Palaszczuk Government views this matter and our commitment to safety at work.

BREAKING: WORKS have come to a halt on sections of the $1.6 billion Toowoomba Second Range Crossing after what has been described as a dangerous incident last week.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey made the announcement this afternoon in a press conference outside Parliament House.

"We stopped work on viaduct two and three sections of the site where unfortunately an incident occurred on Friday," he said.

"I've had enough of it.

"This project has to take control and responsibility for management and safety of its workers."

Originally published as Nexus Second Range Crossing works shut down