New England Highway Bikeway, Highfields to Toowoomba CBD (Stages 1,2 & 3)
The bikeway project will connect Highfields to Toowoomba, providing a safer and more accessible active transport option.
The Highfields Bikeway is being constructed in several stages. Construction of Stage 1 was completed in December 2020 and included the installation of a 3m wide, 2-lane path from Mitchell Road to Toowoomba Christian College with a connection from McShane Drive, Mount Kynoch, to Dwyer Street, Harlaxton.
Detailed design for Stage 2 is complete for a 3m wide, 2-way path from Toowoomba Christian College to Hi Winds Road. This stage follows the New England Highway with priority crossings at Toowoomba Christian College and Quinlan Road.
Stage 2 construction funding has been allocated, with works currently being programmed. Works on stage 2 are expected to commence in late 2024.
Stage 3 will connect the path from Hi Winds Road to the existing path at Harlaxton. Planning for Stage 3 is currently underway with preliminary designs due for completion in June 2024.
Construction of Stage 3 has not been funded at this time.
The new active transport route is a priority location under the Queensland Cycling Strategy 2017–2027, providing opportunities for recreation, exercise and commuting to and from work.
Benefits
- Improves safety
- Contributes to economy
- Contributes to regional growth
- Better active transport
- Improves ride quality
Key features
- A safe and accessible active transport option, connecting the growing residential areas between Toowoomba and Highfields for residents of surrounding suburbs.
- Improved access to schools, parks and public transport.
- A new 3m wide, 2-way path with priority crossings on side roads, to protect vulnerable users of the facility.
- Meeting the specific challenges and opportunities for this route, including the steep gradient of Mount Kynoch; the available space within the existing New England Highway corridor; visibility and safety of bicycle riders, walkers and road users.
Funding
Highfields Bikeway—Stage 1 construction was $12.2 million (Investment ID 11603, QTRIP 2020–21 to 2023–24).
Highfields Bikeway—Stage 2 planning and design is $880,000 (Investment ID 1566603, QTRIP 2022023 to 2025–26) and construction is $6.5 million (Investment ID 2325017, QTRIP 2023–24 to 2026–27).
Highfields Bikeway—Stage 3 design is $2.85 million (Investment ID 1977221, QTRIP 2023–24 to 2026–27).
- Total investment
- $22.43 million
- Queensland Government
- $22.43 million
Current status
Stage 1
Construction of Highfields Bikeway – Stage 1 was completed in December 2020 and provides an active transport route between Mitchell Road and Toowoomba Christian College.
Stage 2
The design for Stage 2 of the Highfields Bikeway was completed in June 2023. Construction for this stage is expected to commence towards the end of 2024.
Stage 3
The preliminary design of Highfields Bikeway Stage 3 is in progress and is expected to be completed in June 2024. The project will then progress to develop a detailed design, to be completed by June 2025.
New England Highway Bikeway, Highfields to Toowoomba CBD (Stages 1, 2 and 3) location map
Location map shows:
- Stage 1 active transport route between Mitchell Road and Toowoomba Christian College.
- Stage 2 active transport route between Toowoomba Christian College to Hi Winds Road.
- Proposed stage 3 start and finish points.