Work has begun on the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (TSRC) viaduct, which promises to save heavy vehicles travelling through Queensland up to 40 minutes.

The 800m-long road bridge that will extend from the Lockyer Valley and cut through the Toowoomba Range at Mount Kynoch.

The project involves the construction of a bypass route to the north of Toowoomba, approximately 41 kilometres in length, running from the Warrego Highway at Helidon in the east, to the Gore Highway at Athol in the west.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the viaduct would provide the key link between the Lockyer Valley and Toowoomba.

“The viaduct is a critical design feature of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing project which will provide a safer, faster link in the National Land Transport Network,” Mr Chester said.

Acting Queensland Main Roads Minister Leeanne Enoch said the viaduct will also support an estimated 1,800 direct and indirect jobs in the Toowoomba region.

“The viaduct will improve safety and productivity for heavy vehicles by eliminating the need to negotiate up to 18 sets of traffic lights in Toowoomba, saving them up to 40 minutes each way. It is an impressive piece of infrastructure that will support the growth of this part of Queensland well into the 21st century,” Enoch says.

Federal Member for Groom Dr John McVeigh welcomed the start of major works on the viaduct.

“When completed, the viaduct will also allow the TSRC to pass over the heritage-listed railway line at its western end without having any impact on rail operations.”

Controversy surrounding the project has recently made headlines; the ABC reports a group of Wakka Wakka and Jagera people have gathered at the site, arguing the construction will damage two Aboriginal cultural sites known as bora rings. 

Protestors camped in the area, promising to remain until the developer Nexus, and the Department of Transport and Main Roads, committed to working with traditional owners to protect the sites.