Level crossings to finally be upgraded

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto during an inspection of Cardwell’s Brasenose Street level crossing with local resident Ken Winkley in December 2019.

A THREE-year-battle by Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto to get two level crossings in Cardwell upgraded appears to finally be over as Queensland Rail start works in April.

Upgrade works will start on warning signals at the Brasenose Street and Liverpool Street level crossings in Cardwell following years of delays due to design issues going as far back as 2018.

“The funding for the Brasenose St level crossing was announced two parliamentary terms ago and after three years of me continuously questioning the Minister over these constant delays, it appears we have some movement,” Mr Dametto said.

“I know this news will be well received by Cardwell residents and I would like to thank Ken Winkley for first bringing this issue to my attention back in July 2018. When I went to personally inspect the site with Ken in December 2019, we had, at that stage, construction materials rotting out there for more than a year.  Ken has continued to be a strong voice on this issue, which has been an unsightly mess for too long.”

Works are expected to start on April 19. During scheduled closures of the line in June and July, Queensland Rail will complete final signaling works and commission the flashing lights.

The works will include excavation and caballing, installation of foundations for signalling infrastructure, installation of flashing lights and signalling equipment rooms and minor vegetation removal.

Queensland Rail advises that construction activities may include noise associated with heavy machinery and construction, increased vehicle movements near works and minor traffic impacts.

Normal working hours will be 6am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday with the local community to be given advance notice of construction activities likely to cause impacts, including after-hours work (nights and public holidays).