The New Phillips River Bridge

During February 2017, more than 60 per cent of the Great Southern Region road network sustained damage due to widespread flooding. The preliminary estimate of damage to State Government assets was $26.5 million.

The Phillips River Bridge, located on South Coast Highway approximately 23 km west of Ravensthorpe, was one of the most severely impacted sites with the structure completely destroyed by the floods. Connecting local communities east and west of the river, the bridge provided access to a broad range of goods and services and medical facilities. The loss of the bridge, and the approaches to it, left communities isolated and caused significant social and economic challenges.

Temporary restoration works were immediately undertaken using local contractors and innovative contracting arrangements. In March 2017, east and west connectivity was restored with the establishment of a side-track around the site.

In parallel to the side-track construction, designs were drawn and contract arrangements put in place to re-establish this permanent connection.

Working closely with the Shire of Ravensthorpe and local contractors to fast-track its reinstatement, we were able to open the new Phillips River Bridge to all road users in February 2018. The new structure is double the length and 1.5 metres higher than its predecessor. Most importantly, it has been constructed to withstand a one in 100 year flood event, similar to that experienced in 2017.

We have received many compliments about the new bridge and our responsiveness, with thanks from local communities.