The new bridge is substantively complete and the reconstruction of the bridge approaches on Great Northern Highway is making excellent progress.

 

The bridge’s opening will permanently reconnect the East and West Kimberley, just 11 months after catastrophic flooding from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie devastated the region and destroyed the old bridge.

 

The bridge and associated works have been completed well ahead of the original schedule due to a fast-tracked procurement process, prioritisation of suppliers and deployment of innovative construction techniques.

 

While an early start to the wet season is not currently forecast, should river levels rise substantially, the new bridge can be opened at short notice, to allow access with traffic management in place.

 

The milestone provides assurance to the community, the freight industry, tourism operators and all those who rely on a safe and efficient road network in the north of the State.

 

The New Fitzroy River Bridge is funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).