First sections of new Fitzroy Crossing bridge deck to be delivered next month

The first sections of decking for the new Fitzroy River Bridge, which was wiped out by floods in January, are set to be delivered as early as next month, marking a significant milestone for the recovery.

Jointly funded by the Commonwealth and WA Government under Disaster Recovery, the new bridge will be almost 100m longer than the old bridge wiped out by the floods, and is touted to be around six times stronger.

Since early June, work has been ongoing to drive 34 piles into the riverbed to support the new bridge.

Pile caps are currently being constructed on top of each set of piles to enable the columns to be put into place.

Using an innovative engineering method, a launch pad is being assembled on the western side of the river from which the bridge deck will be moved into place to connect with the opposite side of the river.

Launching the bridge deck in increments will mean construction should not be affected by rising water levels during the next wet season. This will allow the bridge to be completed even if the river is flowing.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the project was an example of strong collaboration between the three levels of government utilising local employment.

To date, the project has provided employment for more than 100 members of the community, with about a quarter of total crew hours worked attributed to Aboriginal people.

There has also been $7 million committed by the Fitzroy Bridge Alliance to Aboriginal-owned businesses in the Fitzroy Valley.