What’s happening?
Early works are underway for the new Fitzroy River bridge as part of the Rockhampton Ring Road project. The bridge will connect Pink Lily and Parkhurst, upstream of the Fitzroy River Barrage.
To support construction of the permanent bridge, a temporary bridge will be built across the river as a work platform. As a result, part of the Fitzroy River will be temporarily closed to river traffic during construction.
The temporary exclusion zone will be introduced in two stages. Stage 1 started on 7 April 2026 and runs until 12 July 2026. Stage 2 will begin on 13 July 2026 and continue until 30 June 2028.
Why it matters?
This is a key step in delivering a major road project for Central Queensland. The new crossing is expected to improve how people and goods move through the region.
Transport and Main Roads Regional Director for Central Queensland Dave Grosse said the start of early works marked an important moment for the project.
“The commencement of early works for the new crossing of the Fitzroy River is a significant step toward delivering a project that will transform how people and goods move through Central Queensland,” Grosse said.
He said the temporary bridge also showed how the project was using existing resources in a practical way.
“The temporary bridge demonstrates how the project is utilising sustainable solutions and existing resources to deliver critical infrastructure. It’s a great example of repurposing assets to construct the third river crossing over the Fitzroy River.”
Local Impact
The biggest local change will be felt on the river between Pink Lily and Parkhurst, where the exclusion zone will operate as an active construction site.
Public river access will continue in a limited way during Stage 1, with a navigation channel remaining open on the Parkhurst side. That access will end in Stage 2, when the full river width within the exclusion zone will close, with entry allowed only for emergency response.
Grosse said the changes may disrupt some river users, but safety had to come first.
“We understand the temporary exclusion zone in the Fitzroy River, between Pink Lily and Parkhurst may cause some inconvenience for river users, but safety is a top priority for the public, the joint venture contractor and the Queensland Government.”
By the numbers
- A 270m-long temporary bridge will be built across the Fitzroy River to support construction of the permanent bridge.
- Stage 1 involves a 250m-long, 220m-wide exclusion zone, while a 50m navigation channel remains open on the Parkhurst side.
- Stage 2 will bring a full river-width closure from 13 July 2026 to 30 June 2028, with access limited to emergency response.
- The bridge design includes flood immunity equivalent to a 1-in-100-year flood event, measured at 9.86m on the Rockhampton flood gauge.
Zoom In
The bridge design includes features such as bridges and culverts to manage water flow and reduce flood impacts. The project also places a focus on protecting the Fitzroy River Flood Plain during construction.
Environmental Management Plans are in place to reduce construction impacts. The project must also comply with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Compliance reports are required for the Rockhampton Ring Road under Condition 17 of approval 2020/8286.
Zoom Out
The project also recognises the cultural significance of the area. It includes engagement with the Darumbal People to address cultural considerations linked to the works.
Measures are also in place to protect Aboriginal heritage and conserve sites listed in the Queensland Heritage Register.
What To Look For Next?
The next major change will come when Stage 1 ends on 12 July 2026 and the project moves into the full river-width closure from 13 July 2026. From there, the focus will remain on building the permanent crossing while environmental, heritage and safety measures stay in place through to 30 June 2028.
