One of the biggest infrastructure projects ever delivered in Fremantle is now underway, with the construction of a new traffic bridge to service the port city.
Replacing the current Fremantle Traffic Bridge at Swan River Crossing, the new bridge will have two lanes in each direction, wider active transport paths, and a higher clearance for watercraft, providing safer, better connections for the community.
The Australian and Western Australian Governments have each committed $215 million towards the $430 million project.
It will be Australia's only extradosed bridge, a design that incorporates both cantilevers and cable support, and will replace the ageing timber frame bridge, which has required significant investment in recent years to maintain its structural integrity.
Following an extensive period of consultation, the design of the bridge was released in November last year, delivering on community aspirations for the structure to be an iconic entry statement to Fremantle, while maintaining existing road layouts.
The new bridge will be constructed in a phased approach, which will allow the old bridge to remain operational until late 2025, minimising disruption to the public.
The first phase of major works is the construction of four temporary jetties to provide a solid platform for the four large cranes that will install the bridge piles and construct the edge beams. The jetties will remain in place for the duration of the project.
Due to the unique geology of the site, construction of the temporary jetties and the bridge piers require significant piling works, which will start in late August and continue intermittently for approximately 12 months.
Main Roads Western Australia and the Fremantle Bridges Alliance are liaising extensively with residents, businesses, river users and other stakeholders to reduce the impacts of piling as much as possible.
Information regarding the specific timing and impacts of the future closure of the existing bridge will be shared by the project team closer to the time.
Quotes attributed to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"As a result of the extensive consultation undertaken, the design has significant community support and will deliver a spectacular gateway into Fremantle for those who live in, work in or visit this beautiful city.
"Once complete, it will be Australia's only extradosed bridge - a unique design, with extensive benefits for the community including more access for cyclists and pedestrians as well as those enjoying their day on the water.
"I thank the community for its ongoing patience and support during construction and welcome the innovative delivery staging that allows much of the new bridge structure to be completed with as little traffic disruption as possible."
Quotes attributed to WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"It's been a long development and consultation process but it's fantastic to see construction of the Swan River Crossings Project get underway.
"This new bridge will deliver an iconic entry statement into Fremantle, providing a safer crossing for all road users, improved paths for cyclists and pedestrians and better navigational safety for river users.
"The construction methodology being used will ensure we're able to keep the current bridge open for as long as possible, minimising the amount of time the crossing is closed.
"While there will be some noise and disruption, particularly during piling works, the project team will work hard to manage the impacts on the community as far as possible."
Quotes attributed to Federal Member for Fremantle Josh Wilson:
"This is not just the largest and most significant infrastructure project in Fremantle for decades, it also represents a generational upgrade in terms of safe and smooth connectivity across the Derbal Yerriganfor vehicles, bikes, and people."
"I am glad to have made the delivery of a new Fremantle bridge a major focus of my work, and I want to acknowledge the active and exacting engagement of my community in shaping what will be a highly-functional and stylish feature of our port landscape."
Quotes attributed to State Member for Fremantle Simone McGurk:
"The consultation process with the community has been extensive, so it will be welcome news for many in the community to see work finally getting underway.
"The old bridge has needed replacing for some time, and I think the new design delivers an iconic and fitting replacement of the existing structure.
"The new design will also improve access for foot and bike traffic, something I know Fremantle locals are passionate about."
Quotes attributed to State Member for Bicton Lisa O'Malley:
"I know how many Bicton locals recreate along the river - it's a way of life for so many, which is why it's so important we deliver this new bridge and improve navigational safety for boat and river users.
"The new bridge has an incredible design and will no doubt provide an iconic entry statement to Fremantle for many years to come."
