The first machines have moved into the Fitzroy River to start the demolition of the bridge damaged in record-breaking floods that struck in January.
A 50-tonne excavator will take a day to break up the top of the bridge and several more to completely remove the entire structure, which was irreparably damaged in a flood caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.
But it was the moment the severed bridge deck hit the water that created the loudest reverberation, which could be felt by spectators and created a small wave downstream.
"I just got such a fright," said Fitzroy Crossing resident Natalie Davey.
"There was a lot of sound … it was cracking through the concrete, twisting up metal and you could hear it shake."
The Bunuba Walmajarri woman had mixed emotions about the demolition of the bridge, which was a vital transport link on the Great Northern Highway and a popular recreation area for locals.
"That bridge has been there my entire lifetime," Ms Davey said.
"The bridge is a symbol of how massive the flood was and what an enormous impact it's had on our community.
"It's disconnected the east and west, all sorts of trade lines, carried all that news, worry and all sorts of angst through it."
'We need a turning point'
Debris in the river and demolition waste will be collected and stored before being sorted into concrete and steel for recycling.
Materials to build a new multi-million dollar dual lane bridge are already being stockpiled in Fitzroy Crossing.
It is hoped the structure will be open to some traffic in 2024.
It will be 100 metres longer than the old bridge, at 270m long, and will be higher with stronger pylons.
Ms Davey, who lost her home and belongings in the flood disaster, hopes the removal of the bridge will mark a new beginning for Fitzroy Crossing.
"We need a turning point," she said.
"So let it be a symbol that it is a turning point for rebuilding."
