Warrego Highway (Ipswich - Toowoomba) and Mount Crosby Road interchange, detailed design

The department has completed planning to identify a preferred option for the upgrade of Warrego Highway – Mount Crosby Road interchange.

In August and September 2022, the department undertook community consultation on two concept design options aimed at alleviating congestion and reducing traffic incidents at this busy interchange.

Following community consultation, the department explored the transport priorities of the area and stakeholders' concerns, including safety and congestion issues.
More than 630 stakeholders, including individuals, businesses and organisations provided their feedback.

A clear majority of consultation participants preferred the Option 2 design that proposes a new interchange at the location of the future Moggill Pocket Arterial, connected to Mount Crosby Road via a service road to the south of the Warrego Highway. A service road is also proposed to the north, and following community feedback this will be considered further in detailed design.

The southern service road will include active transport paths. A new dual-lane bridge will provide an alternate connection to Karalee and nearby suburbs via a signalised intersection on Junction Road.

The existing interchange bridge will remain in its current state with minor upgrades carried out to the Mount Crosby Road roundabouts on either side of the bridge if required.

The department will now further refine the design.

Find out more about the consultation outcomes, including details of the preferred design and the key issues that will be addressed as the design progresses. 

The preferred design

Features

  • New interchange at the location of the future Moggill Pocket Arterial, connected to Mount Crosby Road via a service road to the south. Based on community feedback, further investigation is ongoing into the proposed northern service road.
  • New dual-lane bridge providing an alternate connection to Karalee, with connection via a signalised intersection on Junction Road.
  • Southern service road with active transport paths for walking, bike riding and mobility devices.
  • Minor upgrades on Mount Crosby Road as needed to accommodate the increase in demand.
  • Mount Crosby Road bridge to remain in its current form.

Impacts

  • Some private property resumptions are anticipated.
  • Minor changes to residential and business access on Mount Crosby Road.
 Warrego Highway Ipswich Toowoomba and Mount Crosby Road interchange preferred design July 2023

Benefits

  • Improves safety
  • Increases capacity
  • Improves network efficiency
  • Increases traffic flow
  • Reduces peak hour congestion
  • Reduces interchange queuing
  • Reduces travel time
  • Better active transport
  • Contributes to economy

Funding

This project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland government. An additional $13.5 million in Queensland Government funding has been secured.

The Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) 2023–24 to 2026–27 includes approximately $585 million funding commitment by the Australian and Queensland governments for upgrading the Warrego Highway, including planning for Mount Crosby Interchange construction. The Queensland Government's priority is upgrading the Mount Crosby Road Interchange. Investment ID 1202509.
Project scope, cost, timing and funding contributions under this program are subject to further consideration and negotiation with the Australian Government.

Total investment
$18.5 million
Australian Government
$4 million
Queensland Government
$14.5 million

Current status

Detailed design has commenced, taking into account community consultation feedback and technical and financial considerations and is expected to be completed in late 2024. 
Subject to further funding, early enabling works are expected to commence in mid-2024, with main construction works scheduled from mid-2025.