The new bridge has provided a vital connection for the community and serves as a testament to the power of engineering to deliver positive outcomes
The New Fitzroy Bridge Project has been named Project of the Year at Western Australia’s 2024 Engineers Australia Excellence Awards – People and Projects.
Completed in just 11 months, the bridge replaces the old Fitzroy River Bridge, which was irreparably damaged by flooding that took place in January last year.
This rate of progress was made possible due to a high level of collaboration with key suppliers and contractors to ensure components such as bridge beams, bearings and concrete were made available at the time they were required and installed in an efficient, but safe manner.
The State Government also undertook a fast-tracked procurement process, which saw contracts awarded in around eight weeks, a process which normally takes up to nine months.
The new bridge is six times stronger than the old bridge, with twice the number of steel and concrete piles, driven twice as deep into the riverbed. It is also significantly longer than the old bridge and has a lane in each direction.
The New Fitzroy River Bridge Project was completed by the Fitzroy Bridge Alliance, comprising BMD Constructions, Georgiou, BG&E and Main Roads Western Australia.
“By honouring these remarkable achievements, the Engineers Australia Excellence Awards spotlight the pivotal role of engineers in improving our daily lives,” says Engineers Australia General Manager – WA, Susan Kreemer Pickford.
“This recognition elevates their achievements, providing a platform to inspire the next generation of Australian innovators.”
Local winners will go on to represent their division at the national awards’ gala dinner on 21 November at the Brisbane City Hall.