Severe flooding from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie between December 2022 and January 2023 caused significant damage to the Great Northern Highway at Fitzroy Crossing in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia. The Fitzroy River Bridge and 500 metres of road were heavily impacted, severing access to Indigenous communities and cutting off a vital link between East Kimberley, Northern Territory, and the wider State and National Road network.

Recognising the critical importance of restoring this connection, Main Roads WA prioritised the construction of a new bridge and access roads within the shortest practical timeframe. As part of the Fitzroy Bridge Alliance with Georgiou and BMD Group, BG&E played a key role in delivering this project, contributing bridge design services and sustainability initiatives across four key areas:

• Sustainable social and economic outcomes – maximising local workforce participation and creating employment and business opportunities.
• Community partnerships – working closely with the local community to ensure meaningful engagement.
• Resilience – designing a structure that can withstand extreme flood events, contributing to a stronger Kimberley.
• Resource efficiency – tracking material inputs and outputs, testing local aggregates, and reusing surplus materials to support future regional projects.

BG&E’s scope included

• Designing a new two-lane traffic bridge over the Fitzroy River.
• Integrating a pedestrian pathway.
• Reconstructing bridge approaches.
• Implementing flood and scour protection.
• Managing the protection and relocation of utility services.
• Conducting flood modelling and hydrology assessments.
• Developing a temporary causeway and access road.

The new Fitzroy River Bridge is 270 metres long – 100 metres longer than its predecessor – and twice as wide, at 12.4 metres. It features an eight span continuous structure with a weathering steel concrete composite deck. The bridge was incrementally launched from the western abutment and completed in just 32 days. Blade wall piers and deeper substructure piles were installed to enhance resilience against future extreme flooding.

Despite the remote location posing logistical challenges, the project prioritised using local materials, providing valuable data for future regional projects. A significant amount of material was repurposed, reducing waste and improving sustainability outcomes.

The Fitzroy River Bridge officially opened to traffic in December 2023 – more than six months ahead of schedule – reconnecting East and West Kimberley. Beyond restoring critical infrastructure, the project leaves a lasting legacy of skills development, economic opportunities, and strengthened resilience for the Fitzroy Crossing community.