The WA and federal governments announced on Thursday that first segment of a new Martuwarra Fitzroy River bridge deck has been launched, marking the latest milestone in rebuilding the vital link.
The old bridge was destroyed during massive flooding caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie in January. The local community have called for alternative routes and a new bridge.
The bridge deck is being launched span by span with a 36-metre segment positioned every eight days until completed.
A launchpad is located on the western side of the river, on to which the deck components are being assembled, before being launched in stages. Launching the bridge deck from this side of the river means construction should not be affected by the upcoming wet season and rising water levels, WA and federal authorities said.
The new Fitzroy River Bridge is funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The latest milestone follows the installation of seven steel and concrete piers which provide structural support for the deck. Pier construction, using prefabricated concrete shells, was completed in 49 days – an average of one pier every seven days.
Reconstruction works will also include repairs to the adjoining sections of the Great Northern Highway, which were also severely eroded by flooding associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.
Main Roads Western Australia said that, together with the Fitzroy Bridge Alliance, it continues to work with local Traditional Owners, "training and skills development agencies and other third parties to maximise opportunities for local workers and businesses, ensuring the project leaves a lasting and sustainable legacy".?
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said it is "great to see work progressing on this important project which connects the region".
"Critically for the community, the bridge construction project is also providing employment opportunities for the local Fitzroy Valley community, which is an on-going, important part of recovery."
State and federal authorities said the project has provided more than 132 local jobs, with approximately a quarter of total crew hours worked attributed to Aboriginal people. In all, $11 million has so far been committed to Aboriginal-owned businesses in the Fitzroy Valley.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said Australian government "continues to maintain strong, working relationships with state and local governments, and this large-scale infrastructure project is a fantastic example of that".
WA Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said the project has now reached the stage where critical substructure works in the river channel are now complete, which will "significantly minimise the impact of rising river levels" and allow the project to continue during the wet season.
"For a project of this magnitude, the progress being made is incredible and I want to thank everyone involved, particularly those from the Fitzroy Valley who are working to deliver this project for their community," she said.
WA Minister for Emergency Services Stephen Dawson said that over the coming months, the local community, industry and visitors to the region will see the bridge deck make its journey from the western side of the river to the eastern embankment.
"This represents outstanding progress from the construction team, after just five months on site and nine months on from the devastation caused by the Kimberley floods."
