Construction is progressing to improve safety at the Eight Mile intersection, north of Warwick where the Cunningham and New England highways meet.
To construct the single-lane overpass for traffic travelling from Toowoomba to Warwick, piles have now been driven into the median of the Cunningham Highway, and the remaining piles at the northern and southern abutments will be installed early next year. These will provide the foundation for the piers that will support the 66m long overpass.
When complete, the overpass will be a single lane for traffic travelling from Toowoomba to Warwick on the New England Highway.
Effective soil and erosion control measures on site are critical, especially ahead of the predicted wet season. Installation is underway for the permanent concrete structures which will manage water flow and facilitate drainage at the intersection. To support this, extensive foundations have been laid to overcome the shrinking and swelling of the local black soil and to ensure the longevity of the infrastructure.
After the spring rains is a good time for project staff to be monitoring the site for Picris evae, commonly known as Hawkweed. Hawkweed is a member of the daisy family and flowers annually, like dandelions. Picrus evae is a local native and is listed as vulnerable under both the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Nature Conservation Act 1992. To protect the local Hawkweed population, the team is minimising disturbance at known plant locations and stockpiling topsoil that is likely to contain seed so it can be re-spread following construction.
Works are being carried out between 6 am and 6 pm, Monday to Friday with a reduced speed limit of 40km/h. Saturday works will be carried out for the remainder of the year, between 6 am and 2 pm, weather permitting.
The safety of motorists and road workers is the department’s top priority. Motorists are reminded to be alert as traffic conditions will often change during construction. Changes will include road shoulder and lane closures, as well as minor diversions through the intersection.
We thank the public for their patience during construction and ask that they continue to follow all traffic management signs and signals, and instructions from traffic controllers.
The project has been jointly funded, with the Australian Government contributing $20 million and Queensland Government contributing $5 million.
Works at the intersection started in February 2021 and are expected to be completed in mid-2022, weather and construction conditions permitting.
