New milestone reached on WA Fitzroy River Bridge Replacement project

A new Fitzroy River Bridge is a step closer to being built following the announcement of an alliance that will undertake its delivery to replace the existing flood-damaged river crossing. 

With the contract officially signed, Georgiou Group Pty Ltd, BMD Constructions Pty Ltd and BG&E Pty Ltd will join Main Roads Western Australia to form the Fitzroy Bridge Alliance. This follows the initial announcement of a preferred builder for the project.

The design of the new bridge is progressing well, with the project team having consulted key stakeholders including Traditional Owners. 

“With a history of working within the Kimberley region and engaging the local suppliers, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Corporations, we are looking forward to maximising employment opportunities in the Fitzroy Crossing community and the wider region,” BMD Construction said in a statement. 

“Our partnership with BMD brings proven expertise and experience working as an integrated team – something which is crucial to expedite the successful delivery of this critical project and, in turn, support the region’s recovery,” Georgiou Group Chief Executive Officer Gary Georgiou said. 

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 

“Communities across the Kimberley are still reeling from the impacts of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie, with the damage caused to vital roads and infrastructure keenly felt on a daily basis. 

“The Australian Government recognises how critical national regional, rural and remote roads are to the economy and the communities of Australia. 

“We also understand the devastation and isolation brought about when extreme weather impacts on these routes and the communities, freight drivers and other road users who travel them each day,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

Subject to weather conditions and the resolution of environmental and heritage issues, construction on the new bridge is due to commence in April 2023. The new Fitzroy River Bridge is expected to open to traffic by mid-2024. 

This project will not only restore connectivity between east and west Kimberley, but it will also provide a significant boost to the region’s economy. 

“These floods had a major impact on quite a remote part of Australia, and we knew from the outset that attracting the resources and personnel to undertake the rebuilding of impacted infrastructure was going to be challenging. But the timely reconstruction of this bridge is critical to the entire region, the freight industry and all those businesses and communities that rely on the road network in the north of the State. 

“The Albanese and McGowan Governments are working together to support communities impacted by supply chain interruptions, including through ongoing freight subsidy arrangements,” Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said. 

The Fitzroy Bridge Alliance will be engaging with local suppliers as well as Traditional Owners and local Aboriginal Corporations to maximise local employment and business opportunities. This will also ensure that the project is delivered in a culturally appropriate way. 

“Today’s contract award is a major milestone to reconnect the east and west Kimberley following the devastation caused by flooding associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie. 

“We know how critical this bridge is to reconnecting East and West Kimberley, which is why we fast-tracked the procurement process, with the establishment of the Fitzroy Bridge Alliance being achieved incredibly fast for a project of such size and complexity. 

“Main Roads and their alliance partners are already liaising with local stakeholders and Traditional Owners to ensure this once-in-a-generation project maximises opportunities for local suppliers and the Aboriginal community,” WA Minister for Planning Rita Saffioti said. 

Works are already underway on the first of two new low-level crossings, which is being built adjacent to the old Fitzroy River Crossing. If river conditions remain favourable, the new bridge will be able to provide access to four-wheel-drive vehicles by early April. 

On the other hand, the second low-level, two-lane bridge that will be constructed 150 metres upstream the old river crossing is anticipated to be operational by May of this year. This bridge will cater to higher traffic volumes, including freight vehicles and pedestrians. 

The Fitzroy River Bridge Replacement project is funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. 

“Building the new bridge across the Martuwarra (Fitzroy) River is key to not only connecting local communities but critical to permanently restoring one of the State’s most important freight routes. 

“That’s why we’re working with the Australian Government through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to help fund important infrastructure projects like this that help ensure communities and the region can recover from these devastating floods,” WA 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; BMD Constructions; Georgiou Group; Road & Infrastructure Australia