TMR is investigating the types of active transport facilities needed to create a fit-for-purpose, safe, direct and connected link.

The proposed route uses local roads and parks and the railway corridor to provide dedicated active transport facilities, separate from motor vehicle traffic, or mixed traffic flow where it is safe to do so, as an alternative to the New England Highway (Ruthven Street).

Depending on the location and needs of users, different types of facilities are proposed along the link including:

• dedicated paths for walkers and riders, shared or separated
• safe active streets shared by motorists and riders with a reduced speed for local traffic
• connections to existing footpaths and active transport infrastructure.

Road crossings will vary depending on factors such as traffic, safety, accessibility and visibility, and may include traffic lights (signals), intersection upgrades to improve safety for active transport users, and raised priority crossings at different locations.

Lighting and landscaping are proposed to enhance safety and amenity on the link.

The proposed Toowoomba Central Active Transport Link is around 5.8 kilometres to connect the East Creek Cycleway at Margaret Street to the proposed Highfields Bikeway at the John French VC Bridge on the New England Highway via Toowoomba Regional Council's (TRC) proposed Railway Parklands Precinct.

For the purpose of providing more detail about the proposed options the link has been divided into sections:

Section 1 - Queens Park to Cathro Park

Section 2 - Cathro Park to the Railway Parklands Precinct

Section 3 - Railway Parklands Precinct to Jellicoe Street

Section 4 - Jellicoe Street to Griffiths Street

Section 5 - Griffiths Street to the John French VC Bridge on the New England Highway

Feedback on the different options proposed for active transport facilities closed 10 December 2023.

Section 1 connects the East Creek Cycleway from Queens Park to the existing path through Cathro Park.

This section includes consideration of the following active transport facilities:

• raised priority crossing of Margaret Street between East Creek Park and Queens Park
• a path for walkers and riders on the north side of Margaret Street to Hume Street
• safety improvements at the Margaret and Hume streets signalised intersection for active transport users
• a path for walkers and riders on the west side of Hume Street, between Margaret Street and Bell Street, and on the north side of Bell Street and Chalk Lane beside East Creek
• safety improvements at the Neil Street and Chalk Drive signalised intersection for active transport users.

Section 2 connects Cathro Park to the proposed future Railway Parklands Precinct.

This section includes consideration of the following active transport facilities:

• safety improvements at the Ruthven Street and Chalk Drive signalised intersection for active transport users
• a path for walkers and riders on the northern side of Victoria Street.

Planning for active transport facilities through the Railway Parklands Precinct is part of TRC's Toowoomba Railway Parklands Priority Development Area and investigations are ongoing. TMR will continue to collaborate with TRC to connect active transport facilities and complement future plans for the Railway Parklands Precinct.

Section 3 connects the proposed future Railway Parklands Precinct to Jellicoe Street via Gowrie Creek and Martin Klein Park.

This section includes consideration of the following active transport facilities:

• a shared underpass for walkers and riders at Bridge Street
• a path for walkers and riders beside Gowrie Creek and Willowburn Park
• a safe active street for riders and local, low speed motorists on Inter Street with a path for walkers OR a continuation of the path for walkers and riders beside Gowrie Creek
• a path for walkers and riders through Martin Klein Park
• connection to existing active transport infrastructure and New England Highway (Ruthven Street) via Bridge Street.

Section 4 connects Jellicoe Street to Griffiths Street.

This section includes consideration of the following active transport facilities:

• a signalised crossing (traffic lights) for active transport users to safely cross Jellicoe Street
• a path for walkers and riders beside the railway corridor from Jellicoe Street to Jones Street
• a signalised crossing (traffic lights) for active transport users to safely cross North Street
• a signalised crossing (traffic lights) for active transport users to safely cross Jones Street
• a path for walkers and riders between Wilkinson Street and the railway corridor from Jones Street to Griffiths Street
• connection to existing active transport infrastructure and New England Highway (Ruthven Street) via North Street and Jones Street.

Section 5 connects Griffiths Street to the existing shared path beside the New England Highway at the John French VC Bridge.

This section includes consideration of the following active transport facilities:

• a signalised crossing (traffic lights) at the Goombungee Road and Griffiths Street roundabout for active transport users to safely cross Griffiths Street
• a path from Griffiths Street to Dwyer Street between Blue Mountain Reserve Park and Reg Veacock Park
• a safe active street for riders on Mooney and O'Brien streets, and a separate path for walkers
• a path for walkers and riders from the north end of O'Brien Street to the New England Highway
• connection to existing active transport infrastructure and the New England Highway via Griffiths Street.