The first segment of the new Fitzroy River Bridge deck has
been launched, marking the latest milestone in rebuilding this vital link following
flood damage associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.
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.
The new Fitzroy River Bridge
is funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments under the
Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
This important 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 just 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 severely eroded by
flooding associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.
Main Roads Western
Australia, together with the Fitzroy Bridge Alliance, 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.
To date, the project
has provided over 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.
You can
stay up to date with the latest news on the road recovery effort by
visiting Main Roads Western Australia's
website.
Quotes attributed to Federal Minister for
Emergency Management Murray Watt:
"It's 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."
Quotes attributed to Federal Minister for
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine
King:
"The 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.
"I'm pleased to see construction
on this vital piece of infrastructure is on track as it will re-connect this
remote part of the country with national supply chains.
"This will be vital during the
upcoming wet seasons the area is all too used to."
Quotes attributed to WA Minister for Transport Rita
Saffioti:
"This 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."
Quotes
attributed to WA Minister for Emergency Services Stephen Dawson:
"The project continues
the joint commitment made by the Albanese and Cook Governments to deliver genuine
economic benefits that maximise local content and create job opportunities for the
communities impacted by this disaster.
"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."
