April 3, 2023

Following advice from the Bureau of Meteorology regarding expected river level rises, Main Roads will close the new temporary low-level vehicle causeway over the Fitzroy River in Fitzroy Crossing at 5pm today.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has warned of the possibility of river levels rising by up to 2.5 metres at Fitzroy Crossing in the next few days due to heavy rain in the East Kimberley.

Main Roads’ Chief Operating Officer, Des Snook, said the closure would be reassessed tomorrow morning.

“It’s regrettable that we are forced to close the causeway but it’s the best move in the interests of safety,” Mr Snook said.

“Our focus has been to get this crossing built and operational as soon as possible, but we are still in the middle of the wet season, and the conditions are very unpredictable.”

“In the interests of road user safety we will close the causeway tonight and reassess the situation in the morning with a view to re-opening as soon as possible.”

Earlier in the year, the Fitzroy River peaked at more than 14 metres in what BoM described as a one-in-100 year weather event brought on by ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie. The flooded river destroyed the Fitzroy Crossing Bridge.

A passenger ferry service across the river is continuing to operate.

Media contact: Dean Roberts 0419 907 230