The flood-ravaged Fitzroy Crossing bridge in Western Australia's north will be rebuilt bigger and better after a once-in-a-century inundation destroyed dozens of homes.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has confirmed the collapsed bridge, a crucial part of the Great Northern Highway transport route, will be replaced.
That process is expected to take years, although Ms Saffioti on Monday said planning for the new bridge was well under way.
She said Main Roads would fast-track the procurement process to select a preferred contractor as soon as possible.
A barge system will be implemented to allow traffic through while a low-level floodway crossing is built.
Construction of the temporary crossing is expected to take about four months and barges could be reinstated at any time if the river level becomes too high.
Ms Saffioti said the new bridge would need to be higher and longer and would be dual-lane rather than the current single-lane setup.
"This will be the first time a barge system like this has been operated in this part of our state, so the final configuration and operation will depend largely on the conditions on the ground," she said.
"Assessments of the existing bridge have been completed and Main Roads has determined that given the significant damage, a full rebuild is the only feasible option.
"Importantly, we will be looking to work closely with traditional owner groups on key cultural heritage issues and to ensure that out of this emergency, we are creating employment and training opportunities for the local Indigenous communities."
The minister cautioned that it was still the middle of the Kimberley's wet season and it was possible further rainfall could disrupt works.
Repairs are continuing on a severely damaged section of the Great Northern Highway through Willare, with temporary gravel roads to be laid to allow travel between Broome, Derby and Fitzroy Crossing.
Record flooding earlier this month destroyed 38 homes and damaged dozens more, with 37 businesses also wrecked.
The state government on Monday announced it would make additional subsidised flights available between Broome and Derby, which has been left with no alternative public transport.
Up to 35 return flights per week could be made available by Aviair, which has relocated pilots and aircraft from Kununurra and Adelaide, while road repairs continue.
