Construction begins on three new bridges on WA Great Northern Highway

Three dual-lane bridges are now under construction on the Great Northern Highway to replace the existing single-lane bridges across Tickalara Creek, Frog Hollow Creek and Arthur Creek. 

The critical road project in Western Australia’s Kimberley region will help improve safety for motorists and the freight industry who depend on this road corridor. Fortec Australia is undertaking the construction of the bridges. 

“The Great Northern Highway serves as the major connection between the Kimberley region and the rest of the State and country. 

“It represents a critical transport link for mining, cattle, tourism, horticulture and agriculture while connecting many remote Aboriginal communities to essential services. 

“Upgrading these bridges will not only make this stretch of road safer for all road users but will also help future-proof this critical transport link,” Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

This project will support local workers and businesses, creating much-needed jobs and opportunities for Western Australians. The bridge replacement project will also boost employment opportunities for Aboriginal people as well as procurement opportunities for Aboriginal businesses. 

The Australian and Western Australian Governments are committed to developing a sustainable program of works that will drive long-term employment and training opportunities with the Kimberley region. 

“The bridge replacement project is expected to support 100 direct and indirect jobs during construction, as well as increase employment opportunities for local Aboriginal people and increase procurement from Aboriginal businesses. 

“The project’s delivery contractor includes an Aboriginal employment target of 10 per cent, an Aboriginal business expenditure target of 7.5 per cent, and financial incentives for delivering above the Aboriginal employment targets,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

Project map (source: Main Roads Western Australia)

Works will initially focus on the Tickalara Creek and Frog Hollow Creek bridges, with a camp already established at Mabel Downs Station. Early works including the installation of safety barriers and site fencing have commenced while clearing, foundation preparation and road approach earthworks will be carried out in June and July. 

On the other hand, works on the new Arthur Creek bridge is expected to be undertaken during the 2024 dry season. 

“Right across the Kimberley our Government is delivering a number of critical road and infrastructure projects. 

“My focus as the local member and the new Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport, is to ensure we leverage these projects to deliver positive employment and training outcomes for Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley. 

“Not only are we setting targets, we’re providing incentives for contractors to go above and beyond, to make sure Aboriginal communities share in the economic benefits being delivered by these projects,” Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said. 

Design specifications of the new bridges will ensure that the new crossing can withstand future major flood events. 

This $33 million bridge replacement project is jointly funded by the Australian and State Governments, each committing $26.4 million and $6.6 million respectively. 

“This is great news for the communities in this part of the Kimberley who depend on reliable and safe travel and freight transport links over these crossings. 

“Projects like this are important to not only assist employment and businesses in the communities these bridges connect, but also to provide better infrastructure and safer roads lasting long into the future. 

“The Australian Government is pleased to be co-funding these much-needed bridge replacements, effectively reducing safety hazards and streamlining passenger travel and freight transport links between these essential communities,” Senator for Western Australia Glenn Sterle said. 

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