New England Highway Bikeway, Highfields to Toowoomba CBD (Stages 1,2 & 3)

The bikeway project will connect Highfields to Toowoomba, providing a safer and more accessible active transport option.

The Highfields Bikeway is being constructed in several stages. Construction of Stage 1 was completed in December 2020 and included the installation of a 3m wide, 2-lane path from Mitchell Road to Toowoomba Christian College with a connection from McShane Drive, Mount Kynoch, to Dwyer Street, Harlaxton.

Detailed design for Stage 2 is complete for a 3m wide, 2-way path from Toowoomba Christian College to Hi Winds Road. This stage follows the New England Highway with priority crossings at Toowoomba Christian College and Quinlan Road.

Stage 2 construction funding has been allocated, with works currently being programmed. Works on stage 2 are expected to commence in late 2024.

Stage 3 will connect the path from Hi Winds Road to the existing path at Harlaxton. Planning for Stage 3 is currently underway with preliminary designs due for completion in June 2024.

Construction of Stage 3 has not been funded at this time.

The new active transport route is a priority location under the Queensland Cycling Strategy 2017–2027, providing opportunities for recreation, exercise and commuting to and from work.

Benefits

  • Improves safety
  • Contributes to economy
  • Contributes to regional growth
  • Better active transport
  • Improves ride quality

Key features

  • A safe and accessible active transport option, connecting the growing residential areas between Toowoomba and Highfields for residents of surrounding suburbs.
  • Improved access to schools, parks and public transport.
  • A new 3m wide, 2-way path with priority crossings on side roads, to protect vulnerable users of the facility.
  • Meeting the specific challenges and opportunities for this route, including the steep gradient of Mount Kynoch; the available space within the existing New England Highway corridor; visibility and safety of bike riders, walkers and road users.

Funding

Highfields Bikeway—Stage 1 construction was $12.2 million (Investment ID 11603, QTRIP 2020–21 to 2023–24).

Highfields Bikeway—Stage 2 planning and design is $880,000 (Investment ID 1566603, QTRIP 2022023 to 2025–26) and construction is $6.5 million (Investment ID 2325017, QTRIP 2023–24 to 2026–27).

Highfields Bikeway—Stage 3 design is $2.85 million (Investment ID 1977221, QTRIP 2023–24 to 2026–27).

 

Total investment
$22.43 million
Queensland Government
$22.43 million

Current status

Stage 1

Construction of Highfields Bikeway – Stage 1 was completed in December 2020 and provides an active transport route between Mitchell Road and Toowoomba Christian College.

Bikeway between Mitchell Road and Toowoomba Christian College.

Stage 2

The design for Stage 2 of the Highfields Bikeway was completed in June 2023. Construction for this stage is expected to commence towards the end of 2024.

Map indicating works being carried out on stage 2 - Connecting Toowoomba Christian College to Hi Winds Road.

Proposed stage 2 works connecting Hi Winds Road to John French VC Bridge.

Stage 3

The preliminary design of Highfields Bikeway Stage 3 is in progress and is expected to be completed in June 2024. The project will then progress to develop a detailed design, to be completed by June 2025.

New England Highway Bikeway, Highfields to Toowoomba CBD (Stages 1, 2 and 3) location map

New England Highway Cycleway Highfields to Toowoomba CBD location map

Location map shows:

  1. Stage 1 active transport route between Mitchell Road and Toowoomba Christian College. 
  2. Stage 2 active transport route between Toowoomba Christian College to Hi Winds Road.
  3. Proposed stage 3 start and finish points.