JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

THE HON MARK BAILEY MP, QUEENSLAND MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS

THE HON SHAYNE NEUMANN MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BLAIR

THE HON JIM MADDEN MP, STATE MEMBER FOR IPSWICH WEST

• Business case finalised for Warrego Highway - Mount Crosby interchange upgrade.
• Preferred design option identified.
• Tender to be released to refine the design concept.

Community consultation on the proposed upgrade to the Warrego Highway – Mount Crosby Road interchange has confirmed there is community support for a new motorway connection to Karalee and the surrounding suburbs.

In late 2022, Transport and Main Roads (TMR) asked the community to provide their feedback on two proposed concept designs for a significant upgrade of the interchange.

The preferred option includes a new interchange improving access to Karalee and provides an alternate route for travelers to relieve pressure on the existing interchange.

A southern service road will include active transport paths to make interchange safer and more convenient for people riding bikes.

TMR will now further refine the design based on community priorities and the feedback provided during consultation.

Once finalised, the refined recommended upgrade option will be shared with the community. 

The Warrego Highway – Mount Crosby Road interchange has been identified as a priority project as part of the Warrego Highway funding commitment.

The Australian Government is contributing $4 million and the Queensland Government contributing $1 million.

Quotes attributable to the Transport and Main Roads Minister Bailey:

"The preferred design proposes a new connection to Karalee and will deliver a safer and more efficient way for motorway users to access nearby homes and businesses.

"Once completed, this upgrade will improve road safety for all road users, while reducing traffic congestion in the area.

"By alleviating congestion along these critical road sections, motorists can get home to their families sooner and safer.”

Quotes attributable to the Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann:

“The Warrego Highway-Mount Crosby Road Interchange is a major bottleneck for motorists during peak hour and a notorious crash site, so it needs to be fixed urgently.

“I’m pleased that the business case has now been finalised, and the preferred upgrade option includes a new connection to Karalee and will relieve pressure on the existing interchange.

“In past consultations, locals said they wanted a more substantial upgrade to address current and future safety and congestion issues, and we have listened and responded to this feedback.

“I look forward to the tender being released, so we can refine the design and get on with delivering this much-needed road upgrade for residents in my electorate.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Ipswich West, Jim Madden

"Thank you to the community for their valuable feedback which has allowed us to finalise the business case for this important upgrade.

"The proposed design will help alleviate excessive queuing from off ramps onto the highway and along Mount Crosby Road.

"It will also increase traffic flow and capacity, reduce peak hour congestion and new active transport facilities will allow more people in this growing community to experience the joy of riding a bike and enjoy Queensland's great lifestyle.

"More than 630 members of the community - including individuals, businesses, and organisations - provided their feedback during consultation, with more than 64 percent of respondents supporting a new motorway connection to Karalee."

For more information, including consultation report, visit https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/warrego-highway-ipswich-toowoomba-and-mount-crosby-road-interchange-planning