The Australian Government has released $22.4 in funding towards the $28 million Cunningham Highway Safety Package.
The package of works – covering a 93km section of highway between Ipswich and Warwick – is jointly funded on an 80:20 basis, with the Queensland Government committing $5.6 million.
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport and Federal Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz, said the upgrade would improve the overall safety of the Cunningham Highway, saving lives and connecting families and loved ones.
He said that between 2016 and 2020 there had been 114 crashes recorded along rural sections of the highway.
Major construction of the project is expected to commence in early 2022 and be completed by mid-2024, weather permitting. It complements other road safety projects funded by the Australian Government along the Cunningham Highway, including $20 million towards the $25 million Eight Mile Intersection Upgrade near Warwick.
Minister for Agriculture and Federal Member for Maranoa, David Littleproud, said that this section of the Cunningham Highway was such an important transit link to the Southern Downs region and other areas in his electorate.
“The Cunningham Highway is the connector for tourism into the Southern Downs, it’s the link for those who work or travel to Ipswich and Brisbane, and it’s also a major freight route between Brisbane and Sydney,” said Mr Littleproud.
“Residents and transport operators have made representations to my office about the state of the road and the need for safety improvements, so this is welcome news, particularly on top of the Eight Mile upgrade.”
The project will include pavement widening, wide centreline treatments, minor intersection upgrades and overtaking lanes, as well as incorporating audio tactile line marking in appropriate sections.
“When I’m talking to people in my area of Ipswich, roads are always the biggest issue,” said Senator Paul Scarr.
“I’m extremely pleased to be part of a Federal Government investing in much-needed infrastructure and prioritising Ipswich. I know that locals want better roads to get home safely to their families.
“This project will also create jobs and opportunities in Ipswich, so it’s a win-win for the entire area.”
