Main Roads has issued a stern public warning for people not to attempt to walk bridges or roads in flood affected parts of the Kimberley.

The warning follows reports of people walking onto the deck of the damaged Fitzroy River Bridge at Fitzroy Crossing and again at the Willare Bridge where flood water is slightly below the deck and rising, and on the Roebuck Plains where flood levels are unpredictable.

Main Roads Acting Manager Director Des Snook said the practice was reckless and highly dangerous.

“Flood waters are moving at high velocity in many places and rising rapidly,” Mr Snook said.

“It would be very easy for someone to get into difficulty and possibly lose their life as a consequence.”

Mr Snook also urged road users to obey ‘road closed’ signs and not to drive onto a closed road or into water of unknown depth and current.

“The signs are there to ensure public safety so a ‘road closed’ sign means the road is closed!,” he said.

Flood waters have seriously damaged the Fitzroy River Bridge at Fitzroy Crossing in the Kimberley.

Main Roads structural engineers and a senior operations director will be on the ground in Fitzroy Crossing on Wednesday when it’s expected water levels will be low enough to enable a closer examination of damage to the bridge.

Main Roads maintenance crews are on standby to move into the flood affected areas in the Kimberley to repair any road damage once flood waters drop. In addition, contract construction and pavement crews are being raised in Derby to carry out heavier work where sections of road need rebuilding. Extra resources are available from Main Roads in the Pilbara if required.

Meanwhile, the Great Northern Highway (GNH) remains closed between Sandfire Roadhouse and Halls Creek due to flooding.

Main Roads advises road users not to journey to the Kimberley if travel is not essential.

Road users are advised also to plan their journey and refer to the Main Roads’ Travel Map for up-to-date information on all road conditions.

Alternatively people can ring Main Roads on 138 138.

Media inquiries – Dean Roberts 0419907230