Barge system at Fitzroy Crossing

THE WA Government has revealed how it plans to reconnect the Great Northern Highway through Fitzroy Crossing, following significant flood damage.

Sections of the highway around Fitzroy Crossing were completely washed away in the recent one-in-100-year flood event, while the Fitzroy Crossing Bridge sustained significant damage and will need to be fully replaced.

The plan will involve the implementation of a barge system across the river, which will initially be operated by tugs, with a cable system to be operationalised shortly after.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti thanked the community for their patience, while plans were being developed. “We will work as fast as we can to implement these solutions but being in the middle of the wet season, there remains the possibility of significant rain operators, to make sure there is a good understanding of how the temporary barge option will operate.

“This will be the first time a barge system like this has been operated in this part of our state, so the final configuration and operation will depend

The barge system will be used while Main Roads constructs a low-level floodway crossing, which will provide a more permanent option while the full replacement of the Fitzroy Crossing Bridge is undertaken.

“Assessments of the existing