Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said an accident today on the Bruce Highway south of Edmonton is further evidence that an upgrade of Wrights Creek Bridge must be made a priority.
“Today’s incident between a car and a truck which saw the bridge closed while the truck was removed highlights this dangerous section of the highway,” Mr Pitt said.
“The Bruce Highway south of Cairns is generally in good shape, but I have spoken out about this bridge before.
“The Wrights Creek Bridge is narrow, on a bend and there is nothing new about people’s concerns.
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Mr Pitt said that while draft options for southern corridor road upgrades released to the public last month include upgrades to this section of the Bruce Highway, the works would not be part of the initial $150 million Federal Government funding package.
“Realistically, work south of Edmonton as part of the Bruce Highway master plan is not likely in the next few years, but clearly we need to address the issue of the bridge sooner than this,” Mr Pitt said.
“The Department of Transport and Main Roads is working on the Wrights Creek Bridge issue as a separate project and has undertaken some preliminary planning.
“I’d like to see serious consideration given to fast-tracking this work.
“We have been successful in having the speed limit reduced to 80 kmh until an upgrade of the bridge can be undertaken. Despite reducing the speed limit to 80kmh there are always potential dangers when large trucks are passing and an even greater danger to cyclists.”
Mr Pitt said he is working with local cycling groups who have voiced concerns about this bridge in particular.
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