Wellcamp Airport link to stay 'goat track'

THE road from Toowoomba to the Wellcamp Airport - labelled a “substandard goat track” by the airport’s developer – is unlikely to be upgraded for first flights.

THE main route from Toowoomba to the Wellcamp Airport - labelled a "substandard goat track" by the airport's developer - is unlikely to be upgraded in time for the first flights.

The Toowoomba-Cecil Plains Rd is likely to experience a surge in traffic once the airport is operational in October.

However, no upgrade is planned by the Wagner family, which is building the Wellcamp Airport, or by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Wagners chairman John Wagner admitted the road was not up to scratch.

"The reality is it doesn't meet current standards - it's a bit of a goat track," he said.

"It won't stop (airport users) travelling on it, but it certainly needs some work over time."

Despite concerns over the quality of the road, Mr Wagner said the company did not intend to contribute financially to an upgrade.

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He said that was up to the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

"I'm more interested in the Second Range Crossing," Mr Wagner said.

"In the longer term, (airport users) will use the bypass (to get to the airport)."

The Toowoomba Second Range Crossing is unlikely to be opened before 2018.

Wagners is in discussion with the State Government to get an overpass off the Second Range Crossing into the airport.

Hopes are construction on that can start within the next four to five months.

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The Department of Transport and Main Roads is also hedging its bets on the realisation of the bypass.

"It is anticipated that when the Toowoomba Range Second Crossing is delivered in 2018, most traffic will use this road to access the airport precinct," a department spokeswoman said.

"While we have no plans to upgrade Toowoomba-Cecil Plains Road, we will continue to monitor traffic volumes for future planning."

The Department of Transport and Main Roads is planning some upgrades to the road on damage that occurred in the January 2013 floods.

Originally published as Wellcamp Airport link to stay 'goat track'