Hinchinbrook MP, Andrew Cripps, has welcomed news that the rail crossings over Liverpool and Brasenose Streets in Cardwell have been earmarked for safety upgrades during the current financial year.

Mr Cripps said after discussing the matter with local residents in Cardwell earlier in the year, he had made representations to Queensland Rail and the Transport Minister to request upgrades to the crossings.

“Residents who reside near the crossings often observe vehicles crossing the rail line without stopping and expressed concern that an accident could occur if measures were not put in place” Mr Cripps said.

“Cardwell has many interstate and international tourists who visit and move through the town throughout each year, but particularly in the winter months and there was concern about their awareness of the situation” he said.

Mr Cripps said he written to the CEO of Queensland Rail and the Queensland Minister for Transport to request that safety arrangements at the Liverpool and Brasenose Streets crossings be improved.

“As a result of a safety assessment, I’m pleased to report that the Queensland Rail 2015-16 Capital Plan includes the planned upgrading of these two level crossings to include flashing lights”.

“In recent years, numerous North Coast rail line crossings have been upgraded in North Queensland and I’m pleased that need to improve safety at these two crossings in Cardwell has now been recognised”.