What’s happening?
Trucking operators, led by Graeme Hoare from Martins Stock Haulage, are calling for toll relief on the Toowoomba Bypass as safety concerns and ongoing repairs continue to plague the $1.6 billion road.
The bypass, also known as the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, has been riddled with issues since its 2019 opening, including lane closures due to structural damage, prompting demands for toll cuts until the road is fully operational.
Why it Matters?
The bypass was built to divert heavy traffic away from Toowoomba’s streets and provide a safer, quicker route for trucks, but continuing repairs and safety hazards have frustrated operators.
At a toll rate of $27.88 per truck one-way, companies like Martins Stock Haulage are facing bills up to $25,000 a month, leading to calls for the Queensland Government to reduce or scrap the toll while repairs drag on.
Graeme Hoare expressed his frustration, stating, “The tolls should be cut or scrapped altogether until the road is properly fixed.” He also raised safety concerns about the bypass, particularly around lane closures and the absence of an overtaking lane near Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, a dangerous bottleneck for slow-moving trucks.
By the Numbers
- $1.6 billion: Total cost of the Toowoomba Bypass project.
- $27.88: Toll per truck, one-way.
- $25,000: Monthly toll cost for Martins Stock Haulage.
- 41km: Length of the bypass.
Zoom in
Safety hazards for truckers remain a critical concern, particularly with the single lane near Wellcamp Airport.
Hoare highlighted that cars become impatient when stuck behind slow-moving trucks, which has led to several near-misses and even head-on collisions.
“It’s a $1.6 billion road and there’s no overtaking lane eastbound near the Wellcamp Airport on the uphill section. Everyone just gets stuck behind us because we’re slow,” Hoare said.
Zoom Out
Queensland Trucking Association CEO Gary Mahon agrees that the tolls need to be reviewed.
He remarked, “We don’t think it’s an unreasonable ask that if you’re going to reduce its capability by 50 per cent, you could reduce the toll by 50 per cent, until such time that it’s remedied.”
Mahon also pointed out ongoing concerns about the bypass’s long-running structural issues.
Local Impact
Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope for the trucking industry in the form of the proposed Charlton Bypass.
This project would divert traffic onto the Warrego Highway, bypassing Charlton and easing congestion in the growing industrial hub.
As repairs continue, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) stated it could not comment on toll concessions due to its caretaker status ahead of the state election on October 26.
TMR noted that construction works are ongoing and that lane closures will remain in place to ensure safety.
What to look for next
Operators are eager to see how the government responds post-election, particularly regarding toll concessions and future funding for bypass improvements, including the dual carriageway near Wellcamp Airport, which remains outside the current scope of the project.
