New work on the Warrego Highway

The Warrego Highway is set to become a safer place, thanks to a new manufacturing and services facility that will soon open along the notoriously dangerous road.

The highway suffered major damage in the 2010/2011 floods and cyclones, and work has since started by the Department of Transport and Main Roads through Operation Queenslander to restore the road and improve safety and access along the highway.

Road surfacing company Global Road Technology (GRT) is one company helping to improve the quality of the road, with the new facility boosting the manufacturing industry in the region and providing more employment opportunities.

The facility includes factory and office space, and the company is well-regarded as a cutting edge "instant highway" provider. Currently the company is working on the Southern Downs, and will expand north in order to help minimise the environmental impact of the mining boom on Australian roads.

GRT director Ben Skinner says his company uses materials to mitigate dust and soil issues on rural roads, as well as reducing traffic volumes and fuel usage to create a safer and more environmentally sustainable road.

This impact will be hugely beneficial to the Western Downs region, with traffic increasing on the Warrego Highway by around 18,000 vehicles. Mayor Ray Brown says the area's roads are unable to cope with current traffic volumes, so the new GRT facility will provide some much-needed respite.