Warrego Highway (Ipswich - Toowoomba) and Mount Crosby Road interchange
The department has completed planning to identify a preferred option for the upgrade of the Warrego Highway – Mount Crosby Road interchange.
In August and September 2022, we undertook community consultation on 2 concept design options aimed at alleviating congestion and reducing traffic incidents at this busy interchange.
Following this consultation, we 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.
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.
We will now further refine the design.
Find out more about the consultation outcomes in our consultation report.
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.
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 governments on a 50:50 basis.
Project scope, cost, timing and funding contributions under this program are subject to further consideration and negotiation with the Australian Government.
Once all investigations and permit conditions conclude the final estimated cost of the project will be reviewed.
Funding figures as at Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) 2024–25 to 2027–28.
Investment ID: 1572882
- Total investment
- $277 million
- Australian Government
- $138.5 million
- Queensland Government
- $138.5 million
Current status
Design has commenced, taking into account community consultation feedback and technical and financial considerations.
The department was required to complete additional ecological surveys under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), beyond what was initially planned, and is currently working through these requirements to ensure the project meets federal regulations.
These unanticipated EPBC requirements and the associated ecological assessments, have extended the finalisation of the design by around 18 months, which is now expected in mid-2026.
Sustainability
The department is committed to delivering on its sustainability policy, which sets the direction and focus for the department in protecting and enhancing our environment. Throughout design and construction for this upgrade, and in line with the project's sustainability commitments, the department will:
- ensure sustainability is fully embedded into the planning, design, construction, and operation of the project
- procure goods, services, materials and works for the development of the project that deliver value for money and contribute to the environmental, social, and economic wellbeing of the community
- improve outcomes for biodiversity by avoiding, mitigating, or offsetting the impact of the project on plants, animals, and their environments
- maximise the application of circular economy principles
- design and construct an asset that is resilient and adaptable to climate change impacts
- minimise water use and consider non-potable water sources
- develop design solutions for infrastructure that provide an improved experience for the local community
- provide high quality urban design outcomes that contribute to the liveability of communities in surrounding areas, with appropriate consideration of stakeholders' needs and expectations.