Latest News : 10 December 2023
Fitzroy River Bridge is now open to all traffic.
- The New Fitzroy River bridge opened on Sunday 10 December 2023, more than six months ahead of schedule.
- The new bridge is substantively complete and reconstruction of the bridge approaches on Great Northern Highway is making excellent progress.
- Joint Media Release - New Fitzroy River Bridge opens six months ahead of schedule
- Repairs to Great Northern Highway at Willare Crossing are also complete
Main Roads has today confirmed that the New Fitzroy River Bridge over the Martuwarra River will officially open to traffic on Sunday December 10, more than six months ahead of schedule. The new bridge is substantively complete and the reconstruction of the bridge approaches on Great Northern Highway is making excellent progress.
The bridge’s opening will permanently reconnect the East and West Kimberley, just 11 months after catastrophic flooding from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie devastated the region and destroyed the old bridge. The bridge and associated works have been completed well ahead of the original schedule due to a fast-tracked procurement process, prioritisation of suppliers and deployment of innovative construction techniques.
While an early start to the wet season is not currently forecast, should river levels rise substantially, the new bridge can be opened at short notice, to allow access with traffic management in place. The milestone provides assurance to the community, the freight industry, tourism operators and all those who rely on a safe and efficient road network in the north of the State.
The New Fitzroy River Bridge is funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Temporary low-level crossing now closed
The New Fitzroy River Bridge is now open and all traffic is being diverted back on to Great Northern Highway and over the new bridge. The temporary detour is now closed and removal of the low-level crossing over the river has commenced. Road users can no longer cross the river using the low-level crossing. Visit Main Roads Travel Map for more information.
This event has now concluded.
You’re invited: Be the first to walk over the new Fitzroy River Bridge
It’s now just a few days until the most anticipated event of the year – the opening of the new Fitzroy River Bridge.
Sunday 10 December 7am to 9am
Celebrate the huge milestone by joining the community in getting up close with this masterpiece by walking across the bridge before it officially opens to traffic. You’ll also have the opportunity to chat with some of the wonderful workers responsible for getting the bridge up and running so quickly.
