Media release: Toowoomba Bypass opening a celebratory milestone for Clayton Utz as legal advisers

Brisbane, 27 September 2019: Clayton Utz is proud to see the Toowoomba Bypass now officially open to traffic – having acted as legal advisers to the Queensland Government on the project from its 2012 business case, through its procurement and delivery.

The $1.6 billion Toowoomba Bypass – previously known as the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing before being officially named – is one of the most significant road infrastructure projects undertaken in Queensland in recent years, and will provide a vital strategic link in Australia's national freight network.

Clayton Utz Major Projects and Construction partner David Lester led the firm's team which advised the Queensland Government on all aspects of the project, from managing environmental approvals, land acquisition, native title and cultural heritage issues, through to procurement issues and contract management.

Other key members of the team were partners Frazer Moss, Shae McCartney and Alan Maguire, special counsel Chris Keane, senior associate Are Watne and lawyer Laura Forman.

David said it was a privilege for the Clayton Utz team to be involved in such a milestone project.

"Clayton Utz prides itself on being the go-to law firm when Government is looking to deliver major infrastructure, and it was great to be able to bring the diverse and specialist experience of our team together on a project such as this," David said.

"The Toowoomba Bypass is a critical piece of road infrastructure that is going to deliver many benefits for our national and regional freight network as well as for the residents of the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley regions. We congratulate the Queensland and Federal Governments on the project's successful completion."

Extending over 41 kilometres from Helidon Spa to Athol, the Toowoomba Bypass connects the Warrego Highway east interchange to the Gore Highway in the west, along with grade separated intersections and connections on various parts of the road. 

It also includes an approximately 30 metre deep cutting at the top of the Toowoomba Range to ensure all vehicles can pass through, and an 800 metre long viaduct over the existing Queensland rail lines, as well as the construction of arch bridges to continue the New England highway over the cutting.

The new highway will help to alleviate pressure on Toowoomba roads, diverting heavy vehicle traffic around the north of Toowoomba rather than through the CBD.  It is also set to reduce travel times across the range and contribute to improved road and driver safety.

Nexus Infrastructure – a consortium comprising Plenary Group, Cintra Infraestructuras Internacional S.A., Acciona Concesiones S.L., Acciona Infrastructure Australia, Ferrovial Agroman Australia and Broadspectrum – partnered with the State of Queensland to deliver the project.