Toowoomba Bypass reopening date delayed by Transport, Main Roads as locals fume over 1150 extra trucks along James Street

Following the closure of the Toowoomba Bypass, Locals living along the old Warrego Highway route through the city say the heavy transport issue is worse than before the project opened. Here’s what residents had to say:

Joseph Palamoodan says the extra 47 trucks driving past his house every hour since the Toowoomba Bypass closed is keeping him awake at night.

“It’s pretty crazy — it’s worse, worse than it was six years ago (before the bypass opened),” he said.

The long-term James Street resident is one of thousands of locals struggling to readjust to increased heavy transport along the road, with some saying the noise makes it impossible to have phone conversations or even watch TV properly.

There appears to be no end in sight, with the Department of Transport and Main Roads unable to provide an official reopening date for one of the eastbound lanes of the bypass following the shutdown in October.

The closures, which were instigated after serious issues were discovered in a cutting in October, have pushed an extra 1150 trucks through Toowoomba.

James Street resident Joseph Palamoodan said the extra 1150 daily trucks driving by his house as a result of the Toowoomba Bypass closure was affecting his sleep and the amenity of the neighbourhood.

Mr Palamoodan, who has lived along James Street for more than a decade, believed the traffic was worse than before.

“I believe there are a lot more trucks now, from what it was probably six years ago, the whole situation has changed,” he said.

“Maybe it’s based on population increases, but everything has increased.

“We need to ask the department, what is causing them not to give the date?

“Yes (it has affected my sleep), I have to be honest, I never had issues with sleep before.”

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said truck noise made even simple conversations very difficult.

“You can’t have a conversation or phone calls, you can’t keep your bedroom window open,” she said.

“I can’t watch TV without closed captions on — I’ll be on the phone and tell someone I can’t talk to them because there’s a truck going past.

“I’ve got nothing at all against truckies but there should’ve been better planning.”

Retiree Christine Allan said after getting used to a quieter stretch of road in the preceding three years, she’d been forced to readjust.

“It was just beautiful when the trucks came off, especially when they were doing upgrades on Kitchener Street, there was no traffic at all,” she said.

“Because I had adjusted to the trucks not being there, they are much more noticeable than they were before.

“When you live along James Street you make adjustments and wear earplugs to bed.”

Heavy trucks continue to use James St due to the Toowoomba Bypass being off limits to them. Friday, December 9, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

A TMR spokeswoman said the partial reopening delay was due to “geotechnical” challenges, offering no completion date.

“Due to the complex geotechnical challenges, a reopening date is yet to be determined, and further work is required due to heavy rainfall,” the statement said.

“This extra work will start early next week.

“We appreciate the impact this has had on the community, and (contractor) Nexus is working hard to quickly make it safe to travel east on the bypass.

“We thank the community and heavy vehicle industry for their ongoing patience while this work is completed.”

Earlier, the department told The Chronicle actual repair works were expected to start in March next year, with a completion date of September.