ACCIONA begins construction on Toowoomba Highway in Queensland, Australia

• 41 km highway seen as key to the future economic development of south-west Queensland
• A$1.6 billion project is jointly funded by Australian and Queensland governments

ACCIONA, as part of the Nexus Infrastructure consortium, has begun major construction work on the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (TSRC), a 41-km highway that is expected to spearhead economic development in south-west Queensland.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester, and Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Mark Bailey both attended a ceremony to mark the start of major construction.

Mr Chester said: “The Australian and Queensland governments are jointly funding the TSRC in recognition of its significance in promoting regional economic development through the creation of employment and supply chain opportunities.”

The Nexus Infrastructure consortium, which includes ACCIONA, Ferrovial, Plenary Group and Broadspectrum, has pledged to involve local business by sourcing more than 75% of goods and services locally. It is estimated that the project will support 1,800 direct and indirect jobs in the Toowoomba region, and contribute to productivity gains for industry and business totalling A$2.4 billion over 30 years.

The contract to design, build, operate and maintain the TSRC was structured as a Public-Private Partnership valued at A$1.6 billion. The Financial Close for the 25-year concession was achieved in late August 2015.

Construction is expected to be completed by late 2018.