Road realigned as part of Second Range Crossing works

CONSTRUCTION of the southern Gore Highway interchange at Athol for the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing has entered a new phase.

Second Range Crossing. Photo: Contributed.

CONSTRUCTION of the southern Gore Highway interchange at Athol for the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing has entered a new phase.

Nexus Infrastructure CEO John Hagan said the interchange provided the link between the existing national freight network and the new road, improving connections between Melbourne and the Port of Brisbane.

"Our national land freight task is growing at an exceptional rate. It is anticipated to grow by 86 per cent between 2011 and 2031, with much of this expected to be handled by road freight," Mr Hagan said.

"The progress at the Gore Highway interchange marks another milestone in delivering this critical link in the network.

"When complete, the TSRC will provide a reliable and efficient freight route that will increase Queensland's productivity and competitiveness."

Mr Hagan said more than 4000 vehicles travelled on the Gore Highway daily, with about one in five of these being heavy vehicles vital to distributing freight for the east coast of Australia.

"Freight vehicles that use the interchange and the TSRC will avoid the Toowoomba CBD, Withcott and the current steep range route," Mr Hagan said.

"This will improve delivery times and help with fatigue management.

"Works for this interchange involve widening the Gore Highway to accommodate changes with merging and local traffic movements as well as constructing two exit points, an on-ramp and realigning Athol School Rd."

Athol School Rd will be realigned and upgraded as part of these works, providing a protected right-hand turn lane from the Gore Highway.

Relocating Athol School Rd will provide the distance required for traffic to merge with the Gore Highway and adjust to local conditions.

Originally published as Road realigned as part of Second Range Crossing works