Fitzroy River bridge to open ahead of schedule

A new bridge spanning the Martuwarra Fitzroy River will be opened by the end of the year, more than six months ahead of schedule.

Work to replace the old bridge which was wiped out by record flooding at the start of the year has gone ahead at a rapid rate, with installation of the bridge’s deck starting in September.

Main Roads WA on Wednesday confirmed the news which will allay concerns the Kimberley could face another wet season completely cut off from the rest of the state.

“This early opening will provide assurance to the local community and freight industry ahead of the next wet season,” Main Roads WA said.

“Construction of the New Fitzroy River Bridge project is progressing at a rapid rate with the entire bridge deck now substantively complete.”

The update will be welcome news to freight and logistics companies, and businesses in the East Kimberley which were last season left with empty shelves and dwindling fuel supplies.

East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Clare Smith in September told a federal freight probe the bridge collapse had impacted every corner of the region’s $3.39 billion economy.

“Even before the NT side went under, we had about a month of literally no fruit and veg in the supermarket at all which is okay for financially sound families that can have stocks, but for vulnerable residents—and there are many—it was a disaster, to be honest,” she said.

“I think we paid $20 for 500 grams of mince – It just priced people completely out of the market.”

Buru Energy in August revealed it would suspend operations at its Ungani oilfield due to uncertainty over when the bridge would reopen.

At the time it was likely passage across the Martuwarra would only be possible by barge which would not meet safety requirements for oil transport to Wyndham.

Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna took to Facebook on Wednesday to reveal the bridge deck was now spanning the river.

“This is an incredible achievement and testament to the hard work of the project team and the members of the community involved in the project,” she said.

Main Roads is currently installing safety barriers, surfacing, and working on the bridge approaches.

An opening date is expected to be announced within weeks.