Preferred consortium announced for Fitzroy River Bridge replacement in WA

BMD, Fitzroy River bridge, Georgiou, WA, Western Australia,

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Consortium comprising Georgiou Group Pty Ltd and BMD Constructions Pty Ltd named as the Preferred Proponent to deliver the new Fitzroy River Bridge.

The consortium will form an alliance with Main Roads and design consultant BG&E to undertake this critical project. Preliminary design investigations are already underway, with site works expected to begin in May 2023 subject to weather conditions and resolution of relevant approvals.

Georgiou Group Pty Ltd and BMD Constructions Pty Ltd have considerable experience in constructing bridges in Western Australia and have the resources and capacity to commence construction activities as soon as possible after the current wet season.

“The appointment of a preferred proponent is a critical step in reconnecting the Great Northern Highway, and getting the Fitzroy Bridge rebuilt,” says Premier of Western Australia Mark McGowan.

“The preferred proponents we have announced have a significant experience in this space, and importantly have capacity to deliver these works in our heated construction market,” says Premier of Western Australia Mark McGowan.

In addition to the permanent restoration of connectivity between the east and west Kimberley, the bridge replacement project will see significant investment in the region’s economy. The Alliance will generate opportunities for local suppliers and will work with Traditional Owners and local Aboriginal Corporations to maximise employment and economic outcomes.

A formal Alliance Agreement with the Preferred Proponent will be executed in the coming weeks, with the new bridge expected to be operational by the end of 2024.

In addition to the freight subsidy support announced yesterday, the WA and Commonwealth Governments will also provide up to $80 million to undertake emergency road recovery works following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

“Progress on replacing the Fitzroy Crossing Bridge and ensuring the local community benefits from the economic activity the project will generate is great news for the people of Fitzroy Crossing,” says Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King.

“A permanent, and more resilient bridge not only restores the connection for the communities on the two sides of the river but also provides more certainty about freight routes,” says Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King.

The initial works include emergency works to reconnect the region, the installation of the low-level crossing at Fitzroy Crossing, the barge infrastructure and operation, Gibb River Road reinstatement works and permanent repairs at Willare and Fitzroy Crossing.

“The new Fitzroy River bridge is a project of critical importance to the Kimberley region, the freight industry and all those businesses and communities that rely on the road network in the north of the State,” says WA Minister for Planning Hon Rita Saffioti.

“Main Roads and their Alliance partners will work closely with Traditional Owners to ensure key cultural and heritage considerations associated with the new bridge are carefully addressed and will maximise opportunities for local businesses in Fitzroy Crossing and the wider region,” says WA Minister for Planning Hon Rita Saffioti.

Works are being prioritised by Main Roads and will get underway as soon as practically possible, working to the seasonal weather conditions.

Discussions between the Australian and Western Australian Government regarding the shared costs of the bridge replacement are well progressed.

“Reconnecting communities isolated by this unprecedented flooding event is crucial for the region’s recovery. The Fitzroy River Bridge is a vital artery for the Kimberley,” says WA Minister for Emergency Service Hon Stephen Dawson.

Today marks another milestone in the reopening of Great Northern Highway between Broome and Derby near Willare.

Works to build a second lane on a temporary gravel track have now been completed, and the road will be reopened to all traffic.

Road and river levels will be monitored closely and if required, access may need to be temporarily limited.

Works to widen a temporary gravel road to two lanes have now been completed, and the road will be reopened to all traffic but restricted to daylight hours between 7am – 6pm.

Source: © Government of Western Australia. | Crown copyright

Image source: © Government of Western Australia 2017 to 2023

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