By Melissa Coleman
After 10 months, the construction of the new Cunningham and New England highways intersection, locally known as the Eight Mile, is complete.
The upgrade of the intersection began in February 2021 after the Federal and State governments jointly invested $25 million in the project, demonstrating a shared commitment to improve safety on regional state-controlled roads.
The single-lane overpass for traffic travelling from Toowoomba to Warwick on the New England Highway is a major safety improvement at the intersection.
Since the overpass was opened to traffic in October, the final touches of the intersection upgrade have been completed.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the intersection was previously a conflict point between two major highways running through regional Queensland.
“It is now vastly safer through the removal of the T-intersection.
“We know that the movement of heavy vehicles especially will be much improved now that this project is complete – meaning essential supplies will arrive safer and sooner,” Minister Bailey said.
More than 5500 vehicles travel through the intersection each day, a quarter of which are commercial or heavy vehicles.
The upgrade has improved efficiency, especially for freight, as vehicles on the Cunningham Highway will be able to travel through the intersection more easily.
Queensland Assistant Minister for Regional Roads Bruce Saunders said safety on Queensland roads is an absolute priority.
“I’m pleased this $25 million project is now complete.
“This is all part of the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s commitment to regional roads, totalling over $18.1 billion over four years,” he said.
Presently, a local native flower is lining the Eight Mile Intersection.
Hawkweed, or Picris evae, is a member of the daisy family and flowers annually, like dandelions.
It 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, known plant locations were avoided during construction and topsoil that was likely to contain seed was stockpiled and re-spread.
Both Ministers thanked motorists for their patience and JF Hull for their work and commitment to supporting local jobs and Queensland suppliers.
