WA Fitzroy River Bridge construction underway

Georgiou Group and BMD Constructions have been named as the preferred proponent to deliver the new Fitzroy River Bridge in Kimberley, Western Australia.

The consortium will form an alliance with Main Roads and design consultant, BG&E, to undertake the project.

Preliminary design investigations are already underway, with site works expected to begin in May – subject to weather conditions and resolution of relevant approvals.

Along with the permanent restoration of connectivity between the east and west Kimberley, the bridge replacement project will also see significant investment into the region’s economy.

Minister for Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the new bridge will improve freight within the region.

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

“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.”

In addition to the freight subsidy announced last week, the WA and Commonwealth Governments will also provide up to $80 million to undertake emergency road recovery works following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The initial works include emergency works to reconnect the region, the installation of the low-level crossing at Fitzroy Crossing, the barge infrastructure and operation, Gibb River Road reinstatement works and permanent repairs at Willare and Fitzroy Crossing.

WA Premier, Mark McGowan, said the appointment of a preferred proponent is a critical step in reconnecting the 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 our heated construction market,” he said.

“My Government is absolutely committed to supporting the Kimberley through the recovery process, whatever it takes.”

A formal Alliance Agreement with the Preferred Proponent will be executed in the coming weeks, with the new bridge expected to be operational by the end of 2024.

In other news, the Tasman Highway through the Sideling has officially opened to traffic this morning, following extensive repairs to damage caused during floods last October.