Works finally begin on notorious highway intersection near Warwick

A notorious black spot on a dangerous highway intersection has tragically claimed many lives over the years and after calls for funding there are now roadworks under way.

WORKS BEGIN: The $25 million dollar road works project to build a new overpass at the Eight Mile intersection, where the Cunningham and New England highways meet north of Warwick is now under way. Warwick and District Road Safety Group members Andrew Gale (left) and Graham Buchner have been advocating for the project for a number of years following the tragic death of several drivers on this stretch of road. Photo: Jayden Brown.

After years of calls for funding and several tragic deaths, drivers making the regular commute between Brisbane, Warwick and Toowoomba will be pleased to hear road works are now under way on a new overpass at the Eight Mile intersection, where the Cunningham and New England highways meet north of Warwick.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the $25 million project would bring immense benefits to the road users of the major intersection between Brisbane, Warwick and Toowoomba.

“This project includes a single-lane overpass to connect traffic travelling south from Toowoomba to Warwick on the New England Highway to the Cunningham Highway,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Member for Maranoa David Littleproud (left) and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack calling out to the Queensland Government to apply for funding to upgrade the Eight Mile Intersection back in 2018.

“Other traffic movements at the intersection will remain at ground level and will be upgraded to improve safety and efficiency, with traffic on the Cunningham Highway to travel underneath the overpass.”

“The Australian Government continues to roll out these types of major projects across the nation under our record $110 billion infrastructure investment plan, which is laying the foundations for our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said he was pleased the project was getting underway.

“This notorious black spot has claimed too many lives in our community and this upgrade has been one of my major priorities since being elected,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The Australian Government has repeatedly stepped up to invest in road upgrades in Maranoa.

“This includes the $635 million Warrego Highway Upgrade Program, upgrades to the Landsborough Highway between Morven and Kynuna, safety works on the New England Highway and over $8.2 million to tackle high-risk locations through the Black Spot Program.”

Works are expected to be completed in early 2022, weather and construction conditions permitting.

The project is jointly funded with the Australian Government contributing $20 million and the Queensland Government $5 million.