Ministers mark end of Range crossing flood works

SIXTEEN months of slow-moving pain are finally over with the flood works officially brought to an end on the Toowoomba Range crossing.

Checking out the completed Toowoomba Range roadworks are Federal Minister Ian Macfarlane, State ministers John McVeigh (Agriculture) and Scott Emerson (Transport), Paul Smith (Department of Transport and Main Roads) and Toowoomba North MP Trevor Watt. Picture: Derek Barry

SIXTEEN months of slow-moving pain are finally over with the flood works officially brought to an end on the Toowoomba Range crossing.

Federal Industry Minister and local MP Ian Macfarlane hailed the completed works this morning as he admired the view down to the Lockyer Valley below from a new stopping area at Stevenson St.

"There are 23,000 vehicles that use this road every day and the rebuilding of this critical transport link by ensuring major industries can continue to operate in all weathers," Mr Macfarlane said.

Queensland Transport Minister Scott Emerson said final pavement works on the up lanes marked the conclusion of the $80m project.

"Additional repairs from the 2013 flood required earthworks and micro-piling works to stabilise the slope between the up and down lanes," Mr Emerson said.

That meant cutting the slop back to a 45 degree angle and installing drainage, rock fencing and mesh to prevent further erosion.

The Highway was closed for three days to clear rocks and debris after the 2011 flood and the new 1.2km south lane has a straighter alignment than before and contains emergency ramps on the left and right.

However those travelling on to Brisbane will have to wait patiently a few more months while the flood works continue in the Lockyer Valley and the Marburg stretches of the highway.

Originally published as Ministers mark end of Range crossing flood works