Vital bridge damaged in ‘one in 100 year’ floods to be replaced

Flooding in the Kimberley has destroyed huge sections of a major highway, with an important bridge to be entirely rebuilt bigger and better than before.

A new higher and longer structure will replace the vital Fitzroy Crossing bridge that was badly damaged by raging floodwaters in the Kimberley earlier in January.

“Assessments of the existing bridge have been completed and Main Roads has determined that given the significant damage, a full rebuild is the only feasible option,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said on Monday.

“The new bridge will need to be higher and longer, and will be dual-lane, rather than the current single-lane bridge.”

Planning for the new bridge is under way, but in the meantime barges will be used to ferry traffic over the Fitzroy river in the four months it will take to build a low-level floodway crossing.

The Fitzroy River Bridge was hit by 60,000 cubic litres of water per second during the peak of the disaster.

Western Australia’s Kimberley region was battered by ex-tropical cyclone Ellie early in January, causing the Fitzroy River to rise to record high levels and devastating property and vital infrastructure.

Part of that infrastructure was the Fitzroy River Bridge, taking the Great Northern Highway across the river to the town of Fitzroy Crossing, more than 2500km north of Perth.

About 60,000 cubic litres of water was running through the river every second at the height of the disaster caused the bridge extensive damage, with

Entire sections of the Great Northern Highway have also been washed away.

Kimberley state MP Divina D‘Anna the interim plan to uses barge and build a low-level crossing would keep the region connected.

“The combination of barges and the construction of a low level-crossing means we can adapt to the variable conditions we experience in the Kimberley across the year, including changes to the river level,” she said.

Consultations will also be held with local traditional owners groups to create training and jobs opportunities for Indigenous communities.

Meanwhile, heavy machinery and a 40-person crew will spend another four weeks fixing a badly damaged section of the Great Northern Highway through Willare, with plans for a full rebuild in the dry season.

Main Roads crews are also working on the remainder of a 10km stretch of the Highway, building gravel roads beside damaged sections to link once again link Broome, Derby, and Fitzroy Crossing.

The Insurance Council of Australia is expected release an estimate of the damage figure soon.