Progress continues on Fitzroy River Bridge Replacement project

The delivery of a new Fitzroy River Bridge in Western Australia is progressing well with the first sections of deck on track to be installed next month. 

The Fitzroy River Bridge was significantly damaged due to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie in December 2022 and will now need to be rebuilt. 

The Fitzroy River Bridge Replacement project will include: 

• Construction of a new two-lane bridge over the Fitzroy River on the same alignment as the existing bridge 
• Provision of a pedestrian pathway as part of the new structure 
• Reconstruction of bridge approaches to connect the new bridge to the existing Great Northern Highway 
• Construction of flood and scour protection on the new road approaches 
• Protection, relocation and modification of Utility Services required for the construction of the works 

Once completed, the new river crossing will be about six times stronger and almost 100 metres longer than the old Fitzroy River Bridge. 

“This large-scale infrastructure project, delivered in a remote part of the country, and utilising local community employment is an example of the strong collaboration and joint commitment by Commonwealth, State and local governments to the recovery of the region. 

“The new bridge will also provide a critical link for the region into national supply chains, especially as we know that the area will continue to experience seasonal rains and floods,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Project site (source: Main Roads Western Australia)

This project will utilise an innovative engineering model that involves the assembly of a launch pad on the western side of the river where the bridge deck will be moved into place to connect to the opposite side of the river. 

The bridge deck is going to be launched in increments, which means works should not be affected by rising water levels during the wet season. This method will also enable works to be completed even if the river is flowing. 

Works to drive 34 piles into the riverbed to support the new structure have been carried out since June. Pile caps are now being built on top of each set of piles to allow columns to be installed – which will progressively be undertaken after the pile caps are completed. 

“Construction of the New Fitzroy River Bridge continues to make excellent progress, despite unseasonal heavy rainfall in late June, which required both the project’s construction causeway and the temporary crossing to close. 

“From early next month, the community will start to see the segments of the new bridge taking shape, just nine months after the devastation of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie. This is an outstanding outcome and I thank all those involved in our efforts to reconnect the Kimberley,” Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said. 

Earlier this year, the Fitzroy Bridge Alliance was appointed to deliver the project. The Alliance is comprised of Georgiou Group, BMD Constructions and BG&E. 

Main Roads Western Australia and the Fitzroy Bridge Alliance will be working closely with local Traditional Owners as well as training and skills development agencies and other third parties to help maximise the opportunities for local workers and businesses on this project. 

“I understand construction of the new bridge is progressing really well, with demolition of the old bridge complete and construction of the new bridge foundations underway. 

“I’m also incredibly pleased that the construction project is providing skills training and meaningful employment for the community – another important part of the Fitzroy Valley recovery journey. 

“This is a vital piece of infrastructure for the community and I look forward to seeing the completion of project works as soon as possible,” Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said. 

The Fitzroy River Bridge Replacement has provided employment for over 100 members of the local community to date, with about a quarter of total crew hours worked allocated to Aboriginal people. 

In addition, the Alliance has committed $7 million to Aboriginal-owned businesses in the Fitzroy Valley. 

This bridge replacement project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). 

The new Fitzroy River Bridge is expected to open to traffic by mid-2024. 

“The speed at which this bridge project is progressing is a testament to the Cook and Albanese Governments’ commitment to restoring a permanent connection as quickly as possible. 

“The project is also delivering on the joint commitment to deliver economic benefits, maximise local content and create job opportunities for impacted communities,” Minister for Emergency Services Stephen Dawson said. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Main Roads Western Australia; Roads & Infrastructure Australia