$6.75 million investment to upgrade additional 6 km on Barwon Highway

A major investment of more than $6 million will upgrade and widen an additional section of the Barwon Highway between Weengallon and Talwood, meaning improved safety and a better driving experience for a vital Goondiwindi Region road link.

Goondiwindi Regional Council’s road construction crew began work to widen the highway between Pinehills Road and Weengallon in 2020. With the first stage of work almost completed, construction is now set to move east to widen an additional 6.7-kilometre section between Weengallon and Talwood as the project extends to stage two.

The work is part of a contract for the state government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads and is being delivered under the federal government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, jointly funded by the Australian Government and Queensland Government.

Stage two will bring the total external investment in the Barwon Highway project to about $13 million since 2020.

Cr Jason Watts, who holds Council’s portfolio for roads and transport, welcomed the funding and said the extension of the project was a huge win for small communities in the west of the Goondiwindi Region.

“I’m really delighted to announce the second stage of this project, which will be of real benefit to local communities and primary producers,” he said.

“This work will improve road safety, reduce ongoing maintenance and provide a better driving experience for all road users, especially heavy vehicles who regularly use the Barwon Highway.”

The works will extend the first stage of upgrades, and deliver a safer road with wider road shoulders, new line markings and sprayed sealing, an improved intersection and road pavement repairs.

The second stage of work is expected to kick off early in the new year and will be carried out between 6 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday. A reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be in place during the works, with staged partial road closures implemented when necessary. Residents are advised to plan ahead as delays of up to 10 minutes may be expected.

“I want to thank the community for their patience and understanding during the delivery of these important works,” Cr Watts said.

“This is all about keeping Goondiwindi Region communities, trucks and producers moving for years to come. This investment will also reduce ongoing maintenance for Council, which will mean reduced costs for the ratepayer in future.”

The Barwon Highway is a significant corridor for heavy vehicles travelling through South West Queensland and is a vital road link for rural communities such as Talwood. It also provides local industries, such as cotton and grain producers, access to adjoining highways linking to elsewhere in the state.

Work on the second stage is expected to continue until August 2022, weather and construction conditions permitting.