UPGRADES to the Lockyer Creek Bridge are now complete, ending more than two years of Warrego Highway roadworks between Helidon and Withcott.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the Australian Government contributed $6.8 million to the $9 million bridge upgrade under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programme.
“The Australian Government has committed $200 million in new funding to the programme over five years from 2014–15,” Mr Truss said.
“The Warrego Highway is a vital western freight route for south east Queensland. The stretch between Toowoomba and Ipswich alone is used by upwards of 25,000 vehicles a day, including more than 3,800 heavy vehicles.
“The completion of the Lockyer Creek Bridge upgrade will improve safety and efficiency for both industry and general travellers.”
Federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz said additional project funding for flood reconstruction on the bridge was provided under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
“The NDRRA scheme is a joint funding initiative of the Australian and Queensland governments that provides disaster relief and recovery payments. They have been at the forefront of the Lockyer community’s flood recovery efforts that are ongoing,” Mr Buchholz said.
State Member for Lockyer Ian Rickuss said the Queensland Government had also provided funding through the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP).
“The upgrade is a great example of how we are working with the federal government to deliver better infrastructure and better planning as part of our stronger plan for a brighter future for all motorists,” Mr Rickuss said.
“This has been a long project and I sincerely thank the community for their patience over the past two years.”
The Lockyer Creek Bridge upgrade works began in late January 2014 and finished both on-time and on budget.
