Hinchinbrook MP, Andrew Cripps has welcomed the delivery of $8 million in the recent Federal Budget to replace the bridge over Arnot Creek, on the Bruce Highway north of Ingham.

Mr Cripps said he was very pleased the Abbott LNP Government had delivered its share of the funding in its recent budget, after he pushed to have the project fast tracked last year.

“Earlier this year I was able to announce that the Queensland Government would bring forward the detailed design work to replace the Arnot Creek Bridge and that a submission had been made to the Commonwealth Government for the balance of the funding” said Mr Cripps.

“With the Bruce Highway being the National Highway, it will be a relief for locals and visitors to North Queensland, after the speed limit over Arnot Creek bridge was originally reduced to 60 km/h, due to unforseen structural issues associated with the bridge” he said.

Mr Cripps said in addition to securing the funds as an interim measure, an 80/60 km/h differential speed limit was put in place over the bridge for vehicles under and over 20 tonnes respectively.

“Continuing the 60 km/h speed limit for heavy vehicles is minimising the risk while allowing lighter vehicles to travel through this stretch at 80 km/h increases traffic flow, but getting on with the job of replacing the bridge can now start, with this funding in place”.

“The Abbott LNP Government has provided this funding for the 2015-16 financial year, so the onus is now on the Queensland Government and Main Roads to complete the planning and design work and get this project underway as soon as possible”.

Mr Cripps said securing the funding to replace the bridge over Arnot Creek was a key commitment he gave to the community in the Herbert River district during the recent state election.