New England Highway Bikeway, Highfields to Toowoomba CBD (Stages 1, 2 and 3)
The New England Highway Bikeway aims to provide a safe and accessible route for walking and cycling between Highfields and Toowoomba.
Currently, the bikeway connects Highfields to Blue Mountain Heights with a separated path on the west side of the highway between Mitchell Road and Hi Winds Road (Stages 1 and 2).
The next stage (Stage 3) is in the design phase and will extend the bikeway from Hi Winds Road at Blue Mountain Heights to the Murphys Creek Road intersection at Mount Kynoch. However, funding to construct stage 3 is yet to be determined based on local and state priorities.
Early planning is also being finalised for the final section, which will connect the bikeway from Mount Kynoch to Harlaxton.
This project aligns with the Queensland Cycling Strategy 2017–2027, which aims to make bike riding a safe, more enjoyable, and convenient mode of transport while encouraging greater participation and improving infrastructure.
Benefits
- Improves safety
- Contributes to economy
- Contributes to regional growth
- Better active transport
- Improves ride quality
Key features
- A safe and accessible active transport pathway for residents in Highfields and the surrounding suburbs.
- Improved access to schools, parks, and public transport.
- A shared pathway to support the growing population on both sides of the New England Highway.
Funding
The Queensland Government has allocated funding for Stage 3 planning and design through the Active Transport Investment Program. Investment ID: 1977221.
- Total investment
- $3.245 million
- Queensland Government
- $3.245 million
Current status
Stage 1 and 2
- Stage 1: Completed in 2020, connecting Mitchell Road to Toowoomba Christian College in Highfields.
- Stage 2: Completed in July 2025, extending the bikeway from Toowoomba Christian College to Hi Winds Road at Blue Mountain Heights.
Priority crossings at key intersections remind people driving to give way to people walking and bike riding and improve safety for everyone using the path and side streets.
Stage 3
The design is underway for a shared path between Hi Winds Road and the Murphys Creek Road intersection at Mount Kynoch.
The proposed design of Stage 3 includes:
- Connection to Stage 2 at Hi Winds Road
- A shared path on the west side of the New England Highway, connecting Hi Winds Road to Blue Meadow Court
- A new left-turn lane for vehicles at Hi Winds Road, with improved safety features for pedestrians and cyclists
- Raised priority crossings at Hi Winds Road and Blue Meadow Court
- A segregated path with resting areas to ensure safety for users on the steep section between Blue Meadow Court and the Murphys Creek Road intersection.
Stage 3 prioritises delivery of a shared path for existing and emerging residential areas between Hi Winds Road and Murphys Creek Road.
Below is a proposed design concept for Stage 3 of the New England Highway Bikeway Stage 3.
All feedback provided during the consultation period will be considered by the project team when finalising the design.
New England Highway Bikeway, Highfields to Toowoomba CBD (Stages 1, 2 and 3) location map
- Stage 1 bikeway between Mitchell Road and Toowoomba Christian College
- Stage 2 bikeway between Toowoomba Christian College and Hi Winds Road
- Stage 3 proposed bikeway between Hi Winds Road and the Murphys Creek Road intersection.