Toowoomba North South Transport Corridor Planning – Charlton Bypass

The department has protected the Charlton Bypass transport corridor.

Greater Toowoomba's population, currently around 144,000 people, is expected to grow by 81,000 people to around 225,000 by 20461.

The Toowoomba North South Transport Corridor planning project, which included the Charlton Bypass, identified a transport corridor to connect current and future residential and employment growth areas and support future economic growth.

Community consultation closed on 13 October 2023. Community feedback indicated positive support for a transport solution to address expected future growth, however a modified solution was preferred on some sections. The department advised the community on 4 December 2023 that only the Charlton Bypass, after some refinement, would proceed to corridor protection.

The Charlton Bypass transport corridor was refined and further community consultation was undertaken in 2024. This ensured the Charlton Bypass is suitable for Toowoomba’s continued population, development and industrial growth.

1SEQ Regional Plan 2023 p51

Benefits

  • Improves safety
  • Increases capacity
  • Improves network efficiency
  • Accessibility
  • Contributes to regional growth

Key features

The Charlton Bypass will provide long-term transport connectivity between the Warrego Highway and Toowoomba Bypass within the rapidly expanding 'Western Trade Gateway' that includes the Charlton industrial area. 

Funding

There is no funding for further planning, design or construction within the Charlton Bypass transport corridor.

Investment ID 453485

Total investment
$3.15 million
Queensland Government
$3.15 million

Current status

The Charlton Bypass transport corridor is now protected. This completes the Charlton Bypass action in the Warrego Highway Upgrade Strategy.

The department will continue to work with Toowoomba Regional Council and the community to develop transport solutions that enable Toowoomba to continue to be a great place to live, invest and work.

Sustainability

The Charlton Bypass planning considered sustainability goals and issues and accordance with Queensland Government standards.

Toowoomba North South Transport Corridor planning – Charlton Bypass map

Detailed map for proposed corridor for Toowoomba North South Corridor indicating Charlton Bypass area, proposed major and minor intersections, proposed corridor, koala habitat, significant cultural heritage site, regional plan urban footprint 2017, regional plan and Toowomba Regional Council expansion area urban footprint 2023 draft, commercial industrial area, regional sports precinct