The new Brooking Channel Bridge in Western Australia’s Kimberley Region will open to traffic on 13 November.
The $107 million project, jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, has seen the replacement of an ageing single-lane bridge with a much stronger dual-lane structure.
The project is the first to be delivered under the Western Australian Government’s Kimberley Resilience Program.
The new 127-metre bridge features two lanes, allowing travel in both directions. It is capable of supporting large loads, including road trains and heavy goods vehicles. A new footpath has also been constructed on the bridge to allow easier access for pedestrians.
The Fitzroy Bridge Alliance, comprising Georgiou, BMD and BG&E worked closely with Main Roads to deliver the project in less than nine months, ensuring its completion prior to the onset of wet season. This followed the successful, expedited delivery of the New Fitzroy River Bridge, which opened six months ahead of schedule in December 2023.
“The New Brooking Channel Bridge is an important addition to Great Northern Highway building a more resilient supply chain in the northwest of Western Australia,” says Catherine King, Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister.
“The resilience of our supply chains, particularly in the Kimberley, is of the utmost importance to our Government,” says Rita Saffioti, WA Transport Minister.
“After the catastrophic floods in late 2022 and early 2023, replacing the ageing Brooking Channel Bridge was identified as a key project, and its delivery will provide greater certainty during emergency events.”
“The importance of completing this vital project cannot be overstated. The new channel bridge will ensure that the people of the Kimberley get the fuel, food and other supplies they need,” says Glenn Sterle, Senator for Western Australia.
“It will provide resilience for the Kimberley supply chain along with a safe transport option for the people of Kimberley. It will help the Kimberley’s thriving tourism industry.
This is a great example of what can be achieved when the Federal and State Governments work together – delivery of vital infrastructure on time and on budget.”