A fire at the Irishtown Road bridge was first reported on Wednesday 2 October at 4:49am. Fire fighters were quickly on the scene and it was predominantly extinguished later that day. The fire caused significant damage to the bridge, necessitating its closure.
The closure of the bridge effectively cut the sole constructed road access to and from the Irishtown locality. Prior to the fire, there was limited access from the Donnybrook townsite into Irishtown via formed and unformed tracks – these are Kelly Road, Fowler Street and Hamilton Street.
The closure of the bridge has caused a great deal of inconvenience to residents, and the Shire has been (and will continue to work) to reduce the inconvenience as mush as possible, until such time as the bridge is repaired and re-opened to vehicle traffic.
Repairs to the Irishtown Road Bridge are starting today, Thursday 9 January 2025.
These works will continue for several weeks, with the target completion date still being the end of March. Should any delays occur, we will provide an update as soon as possible.
Pedestrian access across the bridge will remain whilst the repairs are underway, however there are a few provisions in place you need to be aware of:
The alternative bus collection route will not be affected, and the sea container will still be open and available for children and students to safely store their bikes (during school hours, otherwise closed during holiday periods).
Please take care while walking in the area - your patience and cooperation is appreciated. For further information or to report any concerns, please contact the Shire's Works & Services Department during office hours.
Detour via the Alternate Access Track
A detour is in place for local traffic only via the access track along Hamilton Street, Fowler Street and Kelly Road (predominately follows a gazetted road reserve). The southernmost portion of Kelly Road (to Bridge Street) is a constructed road reserve to rural gravel road standard. Motorists and members of the general public are asked to avoid the area.
The road is narrow in some sections, and drivers may have to pull over to allow the oncoming vehicle to pass. Where possible, the Shire has provided some areas suitable for vehicles to pull off. When using the track, please ensure you safely drive to the conditions and exercise the following:
- Reduce speed and drive carefully.
- Follow all directional signage and instructions from emergency services and traffic management personnel.
- Limit traffic movements if possible.
- Respect the closures (they are in place for everyone’s safety).
- Consider alternative arrangements for travel and transport, particularly at night and during adverse weather.
- Utilise the pedestrian access at the Irishtown Bridge.
View the Detour Map
Previously, the access track veered away from the gazetted road reserve in way of the north end of Kelly Street, via the land referred to as “Morgan’s property.” The land owners were kind enough to support access via their property, however this temporary route has since been closed as the detour has since been realigned with the main road reserve.
Please ensure you drive safely to the conditions of the road, continue to be patient, and follow all directional signage.
Users of the track should be covered by their own insurance that also indemnifies the land owner in the event of a detour from the road reserve. For peace of mind, it is recommended that you have a discussion with your insurer to remove all doubt.
This information was updated on Friday 15 November 2024
Pedestrian Access available via Bridge (closed to vehicles)
The fire has made the bridge unsafe for use by vehicles, and will therefore remain closed until further notice. There are measures in place to minimise further damage, and pedestrian access is now available. Please ensure you follow all directional signage at this location and for all detours. When utilising the pedestian access, please park vehicles away from the area and only cross by foot.
We ask road users to please respect the closure and safety barriers: they’re in place for your protection. Additionally, any further damage to the bridge can have significant impacts on pedestrian access and repairs, which can include the time and cost.
Moving any barriers and/or passing through a road closure is unlawful - please direct reports to Police on 131 444. For any other enquiries, please contact the Shire directly.
This information was updated on Tuesday 17 December 2024
How is the Shire communicating to Irishtown residents and the community?
The Shire has held direct, in-person meetings with Irishtown residents early in the emergency response and recovery period. Additionally, we have established a direct email service to Irishtown residents that provide their contact details. If you aren’t on the list and would like to receive information via email, please provide your name and email address by completing an online contact form at any time or contact the Shire Administration Office during open hours. Updates will also be provided on this page.
Contact Us
How long will the repairs take, and when will the bridge reopen?
At the Ordinary Council Meeting held on Wednesday 18 December 2024, Council resolved to award the contract for the Irishtown Road Bridge Emergency Repairs and Maintenance (RFT 07-2425) to Jonor Construction Pty Ltd.
Repair works commenced on Thursday 9 January 2025 and will continue for several weeks, with the target completion date being the end of March. Should any delays occur, we will provide an update as soon as possible.
Pedestrian access across the bridge will remain whilst the repairs are underway, however there are a few provisions in place you need to be aware of:
- The width of the walkway will be reduced to approximately 1.2m adjacent to the worksite.
- Temporary, short closures of the walkway may be necessary from time to time as the work progresses.
- Fencing will be extended by the contractor on the South Western Highway side to prevent access to worksite areas on the road surface.
The alternative bus collection route will not be affected, and the sea container will still be open and available for children and students to safely store their bikes (during school hours, otherwise closed during holiday periods).
Please take care while walking in the area - your patience and cooperation is appreciated. For further information or to report any concerns, please contact the Shire's Works & Services Department during office hours.
Prior to the outcomes of the abovementioned Ordinary Council Meeting, it was originally estimated for works to start at the end of December 2024, and be completed by the end of February 2025. A timeline was shared based on the information that was available at the time, which the Shire wanted to provide so that community members had an indication of when the bridge would reopen. Since this was shared, the revised estimated date for the reopening of the bridge is now the end of March, based on the latest information.
This information was updated on Thursday 9 January 2025
What is the Shire doing about the condition of the Alternate Access Track?
Since the day of the incident (Wednesday 2 October, 2024) there has been work done on these roads to improve access. The access track is being regularly attended to with grading continuing and tree trimming underway – the road is considered suitable for normal access, however ultimately the driver will need to make a decision on whether they proceed or not, and drive to the conditions.
The road is narrow in some sections, and drivers may have to pull over to allow the oncoming vehicle to pass. Where possible, the Shire has provided some areas suitable for vehicles to pull off.
Whilst the work that has been conducted since the incident occured has improved the condition and trafficability of the tracks, the Shire acknowledges that more work needs to be done if the track is to hold up as the principal access road to Irishtown for 5 months or more, and is suitable for all types of vehicles, from small passenger sedans to large trucks.
If there are any drivers that are not confident to use the track, our Rangers are available and would be happy to provide an escort. Please contact the Shire directly to coordinate this service, as availability may vary.
Maintenance works, improvements and other milestones have included:
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Kelly Road realigned to reside within the main road reserve (started Friday 18 October 2024, completed Friday 15 November 2024)
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Disruptive works that were intended to take place on Bridge Street have been deferred to ensure that there is minimal impact to the alternative route to Irishtown (works will still proceed, however the disruptive works will be delayed until the Irishtown bridge is repaired). Please note that these particular works are not conducted or managed by the Shire.
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Temporary lighting at the Hamilton-Fowler and Fowler-Kelly intersections is being investigated. Please ensure that you reduce speeds in the area, drive safely to the conditions of the road, and follow all directional signage – your patience is appreciated. The setting of temporary speed limits is currently being investigated.
This information was updated on Friday 15 November 2024
Waste Collection Services
On Wednesday 9 October 2024, Cleanaway re-assessed the detour route to Irishtown and have confirmed that their trucks can use the access track. This means that bins will be collected as normal for Irishtown residents from the week starting Monday 14 October 2024. As per the 2024-2025 Bin Collection Calendar, general waste bins go out for collection that week, and recycling will be collected the following week.
Shire staff will continue to work on and maintain the access track to ensure this service is as unimpeded as possible. Your patience and cooperation is greatly appreciated.
View the 2024-2025 Bin Collection Calendar
About Waste Management
This information was updated on Wednesday 9 October 2024
School Bus Services
The bus service provider confirmed that they will be picking up and dropping off students at the Arboretum (on the Donnybrook side of the Irishtown Road Bridge) from Monday 14 October, 2024. This arrangement means that kids can ride their bikes and use the pedestrian access via the Irishtown Road Bridge. A sea container is available at the Arboretum for the children to safely lock their bikes and then catch the bus.
This temporary alternative will help families who have had to juggle school pick up and drop off due to the bridge closure.
This information was updated on Friday 11 October 2024
Can a delivery truck use the access track? What about the local businesses?
The access track is considered suitable for normal access, however ultimately the driver will need to make a decision on whether they proceed or not, and drive to the conditions.
Alternative bushfire escape routes
In recognition of the upcoming bushfire season, two (2) alternative bushfire escape routes are being investigated. These are:
- Northern route: Meotti Road to Joshua Creek Road
- Western route: Nash Place to Fiona Road
Both of these routes require the approval of State Government agencies, however those agencies are aware of the circumstances and the Shire is confident arrangements can be made.
Can emergency services (ambulance & firefighters) get to Irishtown?
Yes, emergency services are able to reach Irishtown.
A 4WD ambulance is now available in the region, and Triple Zero (000) have been made aware to send that specific vehicle with details of the alternative route should they need to reach someone in Irishtown.
Please note that the ambulance is not located in Irishtown, so if you are travelling the alternative route and see an emergency services vehicle with lights and sirens, please safely pull over and allow them to pass you. Please direct any enquiries related to the ambulance service to St John or refer to the information on the page linked below:
St John Ambulance & Health Services
Who to contact for help
Local Police have confirmed the source of the fire is not suspicious.
People are asked to report any suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers WA.
Crime Stoppers WA
1800 333 000
Crime Stoppers WA
Police
WA Police: 131 444
Donnybrook Police: (08) 9732 3333
People with medical concerns should contact their local doctor or call Health Direct.
During a power outage, your home phone, computer or other electronic devices connected to the NBN will not work. Include a battery powered radio in your emergency kit.
Other Resources