The pilot tunnel was in the centre of where the westbound tunnel was proposed. Construction In August 2015 the Department of Transport & Main Roads awarded the contract to design, construct, and maintain the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing to Nexus Infrastructure, a consortium of the Plenary Group, Cintra, Acciona, Ferrovial and Broadspectrum. Nexus was chosen on the basis that is proposed an open-cut design instead of tunnels, allowing the use of dangerous goods to utilise the bypass. There was also the concern that while the pilot tunnel had been dry at the time of excavation (during a drought), it later drained up to 10,000 litres of water per day. The Federal and Queensland governments jointly funded the $1.6 billion project on an 80:20 basis. It was delivered in a 25-year public–private partnership with the Nexus Infrastructure consortium. Upon completion, the road would be tolled. Opening The bypass opened to traffic on 8 September 2019. The Warrego Highway (A2) was rerouted via the bypass between Helidon Spa and Charlton (in the west), with the original section of Warrego Highway through Toowoomba renamed Toowoomba Connection Road (A21). The Gore Highway (A39) was rerouted via the bypass between Athol and Charlton, with the original section of Gore Highway to Toowoomba renamed Toowoomba Athol Road (A139). Milestones 31 January 2014 - Federal and state governments agreed to underwrite $1.6 billion to build a tunnel 21 August 2015 - The Nexus Infrastructure consortium awarded to finance, build, operate and maintain the motorway. 15 April 2016 - Start of major construction 8 December 2018 - Western section of the crossing, between Mort Street (Cranley) and the Gore Highway (Athol), opened to traffic Late 2018 - Scheduled completion. Originally scheduled for late 2018, but geological issues on embankment 24 set back expected completion by 4 to 7 months. 7 September 2019 - Community Events including an open day featuring a walk on the viaduct, a 73km bike ride and a 42km marathon. 8 September 2019 - Formal Opening Ceremony. Opening to traffic starting from 6pm. 3 month toll free period begins. Benefits The benefits of the new road to road users and the community, as claimed by the Queensland Government, include: Avoids up to 18 sets of traffic lights in Toowoomba Reduces travel time (by up to 40 minutes) and greater travel time reliability Improved freight efficiency by redirecting up to 80% of heavy and super heavy