New causeway completed at Bandy Creek

The construction of a new $1.6million causeway crossing and associated work at Bandy Creek in Esperance has been completed.

Transport Minister Simon O'Brien said the new structure, which replaced the weir ruined in the major flood in 2007, had been specially designed to prevent damage to the nearby boat harbour and surrounding landscape during future flood events.

"The new durable concrete causeway will ensure that excessive flood water is naturally dispersed preventing a repeat of the costly devastation in 2007," Mr O'Brien said.

In 2007, a severe storm resulted in more than 180mm of rain falling on Esperance in 24 hours and saw thousands of tonnes of sand deposited in the Bandy Creek boat harbour, trapping vessels in their pens and causing costly delays to commercial operators.

The Minister said funding for the project was jointly provided by the Department of Transport and the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, with just over $810,000 provided under WA's National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

"Agreement on the design of the new structure followed extensive consultation with relevant State authorities, the Shire of Esperance and traditional landowners," he said.

The new low profile concrete causeway, incorporates 45 pipes positioned at the base of the structure to ensure tidal flushing and fish movement between the creek and the harbour and will have no adverse effect on the water level or quality of the Ramsar protected wetlands upstream.

It will accommodate higher capacity flows, and during flood events, water will flow freely over the structure minimising water build up and the risk of erosion.

There is pedestrian access across the causeway which can be used by emergency and service vehicles.

Mr O'Brien said the department was to be commended for completing the major infrastructure project on time and on budget.