Federal funding goes the extra mile for Cunningham Highway intersection upgrade
November 19, 2020The Australian and Queensland governments have unlocked funding to the tune of $25 million for the Cunningham Highway – Eight Mile Intersection Upgrade, which will go towards improving safety at this dangerous junction.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the funding would deliver a grade-separated interchange at the intersection of the Cunningham and New England highways, north of Warwick.
“Supporting an estimated 50 jobs over the life of the project, this upgrade will reduce the risk of crashes while allowing passenger and freight traffic alike to navigate the area more quickly and efficiently, saving time and freight operating costs,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“This is exactly the type of project we continue to roll out across Australia under our $110 billion infrastructure investment program, which is laying the foundations for economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said projects like this form part of a record $25.7 billion jointly-funded program being delivered by the Queensland Government to build better roads and transport, and create jobs as part of Queensland’s plan for economic recovery.
“This is a critical upgrade for the region, with longstanding calls locally to fix what is known as the Eight Mile Intersection,” Mr Bailey said.
“Unlocking the funding now will allow works to get under way early next year and spark up to 50 jobs in construction for the region.
“The project will include a 66-metre-long bridge for traffic travelling from Toowoomba to Warwick, driving safety and improving capacity along this critical route for the region.”
Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the funding was just part of the Australian Government’s commitment to delivering a safer, more efficient and more reliable Cunningham Highway.
“The Federal Government has committed a total of $170 million to deliver upgrades to the Cunningham Highway,” Mr Littleproud said.
“I look forward to continuing to work with industry and local communities to identify and unlock funding for critical improvements right up and down the highway.”
Queensland Assistant Minister for Regional Roads Bruce Saunders said improving safety and capacity on Southern Downs roads was crucial to the region’s $2 billion economy.
“Better roads get families home safer, our products to markets across Australia and the globe, and stimulate jobs – which is why we’ve also injected another $1 billion in joint stimulus funding since April to upgrade roads right across the region and the state,” Mr Saunders said.
Construction on the Cunningham Highway – Eight Mile Intersection Upgrade is expected to begin in early 2021 and be completed by mid-2022, weather and construction conditions permitting.
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