The federal and WA governments have released which companies have been contracted to reconstruct the replacement Fitzroy River Bridge
The federal government has announced that Georgiou Group, BMD Constructions and BG&E have been awarded the contract to construct the new Fitzroy River Bridge in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, joining WA Main Roads to form the Fitzroy Bridge Alliance.
The federal government says design work for the new bridge, in consultation with key stakeholders including Traditional Owners, is progressing well. Site works remain on track to begin in April 2023 subject to weather conditions and the resolution of environmental and heritage issues.
The Alliance partners have significant experience in constructing bridges in Western Australia and have committed the resources required to commence construction activities as soon as possible. The new bridge is scheduled to be operational by mid-2024.
In addition to the permanent restoration of connectivity between the east and west Kimberley, the bridge replacement project will see significant investment in the region’s economy.
The Alliance is engaging with local suppliers, Traditional Owners and local Aboriginal Corporations to maximise local employment and business opportunities and ensure the project is undertaken in a culturally appropriate way.
Work on constructing the first of two new low-level crossings is underway. The crossing, which is adjacent to the old Fitzroy River Crossing, will allow four-wheel-drive vehicle access across the river in early April if river conditions remain favourable.
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A second, low-level, two-lane crossing 150 metres upstream of the old bridge, which would cater for higher traffic volumes, including freight vehicles and pedestrians, could be operational by May 2023 providing access across the river during this year’s dry season.
The Fitzroy Bridge building works are funded through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
“The federal government recognises how critical national regional, rural and remote roads are to the economy and the communities of Australia,” federal transport minister Catherine King says.
“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.
“The formation of the Fitzroy River Bridge Alliance is an important step forward as we work with these communities and the Western Australian government to rebuild, recover and support the future resilience of transport infrastructure.”
WA minister for planning Rita Saffioti says the contract award is a major milestone to reconnect the east and west Kimberley following recent flooding events.
“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,” she says.
“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.”