- Crisafulli Government delivers safety boost to the New England Highway with upgrades to Back Creek Bridge at Cooyar.
- A decade of decline under Labor saw the neglected road become the highway's last remaining single-lane bridge.
- The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of building a more resilient regional road network.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment to upgrade the Back Creek Bridge at Cooyar on the New England Highway.
Preliminary safety measures are now complete and construction preparations are underway to enhance liveability for locals, open freight operators and support economic growth for the region.
It follows a decade of decline under the former Labor Government which overlooked the dangers of the single-lane bridge.
The project will include:
- Reshaping Back Creek Bridge to facilitate two traffic lanes.
- Improving the New England Highway and Cooyar-Rangemore Road intersection.
- Safety upgrades at McDougall and Fergus Streets.
- Enhancements to heavy vehicle stopping places in Cooyar.
Treasurer David Janetzki said funding the upgrade of the Back Creek Bridge would fulfil a long-term commitment to improve community safety.
"We're delivering for communities across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs by acting on our commitment to fix the Back Creek Bridge," Treasurer Janetzki said.
"This safety enhancing project comes after years of advocacy from local communities that was ignored by Labor."
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg said the approach to Back Creek Bridge was well known for rear-end crashes, particularly when drivers failed to give way at the one-way crossing.
"This project is vital for improving safety on the New England Highway, supporting economic growth and enhancing liveability for the Cooyar community," Minister Mickelberg said.
"I've driven this road with the Member for Nanango and seen firsthand the amount of work needed to improve its safety.
"The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job, restoring confidence in regional communities that they will be given the reliable and safe road network they deserve."
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the upgrades was increasing the safety of motorists on the New England Highway.
"For years, my calls for upgrades to this single lane bridge went unanswered by the former Labor Government and I am extremely proud to be delivering such a vital project for my electorate," she said.
"Back Creek Bridge at Cooyar is crucial to keeping locals and freight moving on the New England Highway, after Labor allowed it to remain a known crash hotspot for a decade.
"I know how many people rely on this bridge every day and I'm proud the Crisafulli Government is delivering for our region."
Technical investigations are now underway, including surveys, soil sampling, and cultural heritage assessments to inform the detailed design.
