❓ Hon Neil Thomson questions the Minister for Transport about building a temporary bridge over the Martuwarra Fitzroy River. The Minister responds that a Bailey bridge was considered but deemed unviable due to the existing bridge's condition and alternative solutions are being implemented.
AnsweredQoN 240Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
MARTUWARRA FITZROY RIVER
— BRIDGE
240. Hon NEIL THOMSON to the minister representing the
Minister for Transport:
I refer to the challenges with road
freight in the Kimberley and the likely severing of the Perth–Darwin
national highway over the next two wet seasons.
(1) Has the minister considered
building a temporary road bridge over the Martuwarra Fitzroy River?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) If yes to (1), what was the cost
estimate to build such a temporary bridge?
— BRIDGE
240. Hon NEIL THOMSON to the minister representing the
Minister for Transport:
I refer to the challenges with road
freight in the Kimberley and the likely severing of the Perth–Darwin
national highway over the next two wet seasons.
(1) Has the minister considered
building a temporary road bridge over the Martuwarra Fitzroy River?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) If yes to (1), what was the cost
estimate to build such a temporary bridge?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(3) Main
Roads considered the installation of a temporary bridging structure—Bailey
bridge—across the Martuwarra Fitzroy River, which currently spans 200
metres. However, this was not considered a viable option due to the damage
sustained to the existing bridge and piers; the additional extensive piling
work required to make it safe and secure for use as a superstructure; and the
requirement for a complete rebuild of the eastern bridge abutment and bridge
approach roads.
Hon Neil
Thomson interjected.
Hon SUE ELLERY :
Does the member want the answer or not?
Hon Neil
Thomson interjected.
Hon SUE ELLERY :
I had better start again.
Main Roads considered the
installation of a temporary bridging structure—Bailey bridge—across
the Martuwarra Fitzroy River, which
currently spans 200 metres. However, this was not considered a viable option
due to the damage sustained to the existing bridge and piers; the
additional extensive piling work required to make it safe and secure for use as
a superstructure; and the requirement for a complete rebuild of the eastern
bridge abutment and bridge approach roads.
Further
investment on making the old bridge safe was not deemed appropriate, given that
demolition of the structure is due to commence in May. As an
alternative, a ferry service was progressed to provide pedestrian access across
the river in the first instance. This commenced yesterday, and this answer is
dated Wednesday, 15 March. Subject to water levels, the ferry service will be
scaled up to take essential vehicles.
In the meantime, Main Roads is also
working on establishing low-level river crossings for vehicles. Development
work for the construction of two temporary crossings is underway. Timing of
construction is dependent on future rainfall events and river conditions, but
it is expected that the first of these crossings, which will initially be
accessible only to four-wheel drives, may be available in late March. A second
crossing is planned near the existing bridge and should be available in May for
use during the dry season when river levels are low.
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(3) Main
Roads considered the installation of a temporary bridging structure—Bailey
bridge—across the Martuwarra Fitzroy River, which currently spans 200
metres. However, this was not considered a viable option due to the damage
sustained to the existing bridge and piers; the additional extensive piling
work required to make it safe and secure for use as a superstructure; and the
requirement for a complete rebuild of the eastern bridge abutment and bridge
approach roads.
Hon Neil
Thomson interjected.
Hon SUE ELLERY :
Does the member want the answer or not?
Hon Neil
Thomson interjected.
Hon SUE ELLERY :
I had better start again.
Main Roads considered the
installation of a temporary bridging structure—Bailey bridge—across
the Martuwarra Fitzroy River, which
currently spans 200 metres. However, this was not considered a viable option
due to the damage sustained to the existing bridge and piers; the
additional extensive piling work required to make it safe and secure for use as
a superstructure; and the requirement for a complete rebuild of the eastern
bridge abutment and bridge approach roads.
Further
investment on making the old bridge safe was not deemed appropriate, given that
demolition of the structure is due to commence in May. As an
alternative, a ferry service was progressed to provide pedestrian access across
the river in the first instance. This commenced yesterday, and this answer is
dated Wednesday, 15 March. Subject to water levels, the ferry service will be
scaled up to take essential vehicles.
In the meantime, Main Roads is also
working on establishing low-level river crossings for vehicles. Development
work for the construction of two temporary crossings is underway. Timing of
construction is dependent on future rainfall events and river conditions, but
it is expected that the first of these crossings, which will initially be
accessible only to four-wheel drives, may be available in late March. A second
crossing is planned near the existing bridge and should be available in May for
use during the dry season when river levels are low.
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