Grey nomads anxiously watching the road ‘situation’ while attempting to plot their WA travels have been given a bit more certainty.
The state government has just announced that a 40-person strong road construction crew will finish critical temporary repair works on a badly damaged section of Great Northern Highway between Broome and Derby this week.
“The repair works include the construction of a temporary single-lane gravel track, which will allow for a staged re-opening to occur this week, reconnecting Broome, Derby and Fitzroy Crossing by road for the first time since the floods,” it said. “As part of the staged reopening, vehicles will be escorted in alternating east and west convoys, using the single lane gravel track under speed restrictions.”
The flooding has affected many roads in WA. PIC: Main Roads WA
The reopening will occur in stages:
Derby side (east) convoys leaving at 7.30am and 4.30pm; Broome side (west) convoys leaving at 8am and 5pm.
It is anticipated that the second stage of the reopening will be in place for up to two weeks or until crews can get the road widened to be able to operate safely under two-lane traffic flows. Limiting access during the second stage is required to allow road crews to add a second lane to the temporary gravel track.
Permanent repair works will be undertaken in the dry season.
Travel times across the 10-kilometre section are likely to average between 15–20 minutes per convoy. Wait times at the controlled access points either side of the temporary track at the Willare Roadhouse and the Cockatoo Creek Bridge are likely to average 30 minutes.
Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, said the floods had restricted severely restricted connectivity in the Kimberley region, and the partial reopening was great news.
“I want to thank Main Roads and the hard-working road construction teams who have been out there working most days in some really challenging wet season conditions to get this temporary track completed in less than four weeks,” she said. “Seeing the early vision of the floods and the scale of damage that was sustained to the road infrastructure, it’s an incredible achievement to be able to open up the highway in a limited capacity this quickly.”
All vehicles will need to follow the direction of traffic controllers and drive to the reduced speed limit.
Crews will be monitoring the weather and road conditions and if necessary short-term closures may be implemented if the unsealed conditions deteriorate due to further significant rainfall.
Works continue in Fitzroy Crossing to implement a temporary barge system. Recent rainfall and rising river levels have hampered construction of the barge, however works have started on new landing foundations on the eastern side of the river in preparation for an initial punt service commencing once river heights reduce to a safe level.
Planning continues for the temporary low-level crossing which will provide a more permanent option while the new Fitzroy Crossing Bridge is constructed.
Procurement for the full replacement of the Fitzroy Crossing Bridge is being fast-tracked, and the Government plans to award a contract in the coming weeks.
Travellers can stay up to date with the latest news on the road recovery effort by visiting Kimberley Flood Response | Main Roads Western Australia.
We were planing to travel to kunnanurra to derby via gibb river road & return via Fitzroy crossing end of April, hoping this will be possible by then
Was hoping to travel over the Fitzroy Rd,/ crossing about July so hoping something in place for travellers with caravans by then.
Thanks to all who are putting in such hard work to get these rds open
After postponing our trip around for the past few years due to Covid border closures we are praying we can take the journey across from Derby to bungles, Kunnunurra and onto NT mid June/July
Great job to all helping to make that happen.
Hi all great job constrution crew see you soon.