Preferred builder announced for new Fitzroy River Bridge in WA

A new Fitzroy River Bridge is set to be built in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and a consortium comprising of Georgiou Group Pty Ltd and BMD Constructions Pty Ltd has been appointed to deliver the project. 

The consortium will be forming an alliance with Main Roads WA as well as design consultant BG&E in the construction of the new river crossing. 

“The appointment of a preferred proponent is a critical step in reconnecting the Great Northern Highway, and getting the Fitzroy Bridge rebuilt. 

“The preferred proponents we have announced have a significant experience in this space, and importantly have capacity to deliver these works in out heated construction market,” Premier Mark McGowan said. 

Preliminary design investigations on this critical project are already underway and site works are anticipated to commence in May of this year – subject to weather conditions and resolution of environmental and heritage issues. 

To date, the project scope includes: 

• 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 
• Construction of bridge approaches to connect the new bridge to the existing Great Northern Highway 
• Construction of flood and scour protection on the new bridge approaches 
• Protection, relocation and modification of Utility Services required for the construction of the works 
• Establishment and rehabilitation of material pits for the works 

“Progress on replacing the Fitzroy Crossing Bridge and ensuring local community benefits from the economic activity the project will generate is great news for the people of Fitzroy Crossing. 

“A permanent, and more resilient bridge not only restores the connection for the communities on the two sides of the river but also provides more certainty about freight routes,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

The project will not only replace the Fitzroy River Bridge and restore the connection between the east and west Kimberley, but it will also bring significant investment into the region’s economy. 

The alliance between the contractors and Main Roads WA will generate opportunities for local suppliers while, at the same time, work with Traditional Owners and local Aboriginal Corporations to maximise engagement and employment, helping foster greater cultural awareness. 

Over the coming weeks, a formal Alliance Agreement with the contractors is going to be executed. 

“The new Fitzroy Bridge is a project of critical importance to the Kimberley region, the freight industry and all those businesses and communities that rely on the road network in the north of the State. 

“I commend Main Roads for fast-tracking its procurement process to allow construction to begin as quickly as possible. 

“Main Roads and their Alliance partners will work closely with Traditional Owners to ensure key cultural and heritage considerations associated with the new bridge are carefully addresses and will maximise opportunities for local businesses in Fitzroy Crossing and the wider region,” WA Minister for Planning Rita Saffioti said. 

On top of this project, the State and Commonwealth Governments will also provide about $80 million to deliver emergency road recovery works following the ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie under the joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. 

“The Albanese and McGowan Governments have worked very collaboratively on recovery efforts, and that work will continue. 

“Restoring access to communities is a central part of recovery efforts, and it’s pleasing to see this latest milestone in the recovery being announced today,” Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said. 

Main Roads WA is prioritising the delivery of the new Fitzroy River Bridge and will get works underway as soon as possible, working to the seasonal weather conditions. 

The Western Australian and Australian Governments are currently progressing discussions on shared costs of the project. 

“Reconnecting communities isolated by this unprecedented flooding event is crucial for the region’s recovery,” WA Minister for Emergency Service Stephen Dawson said. 

“The Fitzroy River Bridge works are being actioned as a priority, which I know will be a great relief for our communities and welcome news for businesses and industry that depend on this route,” Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said. 

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