- Fabrication on new Causeway Cycling and Pedestrian Bridges underway
- Bridges are being manufactured locally at Civmec in Henderson
- New cable-stayed bridges will connect Victoria Park, Heirisson Island, and the CBD
- More than 3,000 cyclists and pedestrians use the existing Causeway Bridge paths daily
The $100 million Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges project is taking shape with fabrication now underway at Civmec's Henderson Facility.
The new pedestrian and cycling bridges will be located just west of the Causeway Bridge, and will see two iconic six-metre-wide cable-stayed bridges linking the Victoria Park foreshore at McCallum Park with Heirisson Island and Perth's CBD at Point Fraser.
The new bridges will alleviate the growing pressure on the paths of the existing Causeway Bridge, which are used by more than 3,000 cyclists and pedestrians every day.
Works on site have been ramping up in recent months with ground improvement and piling works being undertaken at McCallum Park, Heirisson Island, and Point Fraser in preparation for marine construction to commence this month.
A temporary loadout facility (similar to a jetty) is currently being built to transport bridge segments and materials onto vessels and barges.
The deck is being manufactured in 22-42 metre segments, and the pylons are 47-54 metres long. All bridge segments will be transported by road to the McCallum Park construction site.
The new bridges were designed in consultation with the Matagarup Elders Group (MEG), and draw inspiration from the significance of the area to the Noongar people.
Two of the three pylons supporting the cable-stayed bridges are being constructed in the shape of wannas (digging sticks) while the third is the shape of a koylie (boomerang). The s-shaped curves of the bridge's design represent the movement of the Wagyl (rainbow serpent).
The project will support hundreds of jobs, providing employment for skilled workers, and contributing to the local economy. Additionally, it will see major improvements to safety, connectivity, and amenity for path users commuting to work, education, local businesses as well as tourists.
The Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges project is being jointly funded by the Australian Government ($50 million) and the Western Australian Government ($50 million).
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"We are making extensive investments into infrastructure and transport for the future. The Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges will be a major landmark in Perth that will attract more people riding and walking to the CBD.
"Our Government is investing significantly to improve access, vibrancy and liveability in the CBD, and in doing so we're helping support local jobs and businesses.
"The new bridges are magnificent structures, and importantly the design draws inspiration from the rich Noongar culture and heritage of the area."
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Our Government has a strong focus on investing in active transport infrastructure and the Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges will be an incredible addition to our network.
"We know how constrained the existing pedestrian and cycling path on the Causeway Bridge is, and this project will deliver safer and easier access to our CBD.
"As we've seen with Matagarup Bridge, these bridges become a major meeting point for our families, pedestrians, and cyclists, whilst also providing a tourism experience.
"This project represents a vital investment in dedicated pedestrian and cycling infrastructure that will meet the increasing demand, while still ensuring safety and convenience for our users."
As stated by Swan MP Zaneta Mascarenhas:
"The investment in the new transport bridges by the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments will make a dramatic difference to the local community by creating a valuable and functional connection to the city.
"It's a project that is creating jobs for local people at the site and here in Henderson.
"It has been great to meet some of them over the past few months as the works on the site near my office get underway."
As stated by Perth MLA John Carey:
"This is a transformational project for one of the most iconic bridges and a gateway entrance to East Perth that will ultimately bring more people into the Perth CBD.
"Our Government is committed to ensuring Perth remains connected through new major infrastructure projects like the upgrades to the Causeway Bridge, with more than 3,000 pedestrians and cyclists accessing it every day.
"The Cook Government is jointly funding this project with the Federal Government, and this is all part of our major projects program - like the ECU city campus - which are all about bringing more people into the city as part of its renewal."
As stated by Victoria Park MLA Hannah Beazley:
"More than 3,000 pedestrians and cyclists currently use the existing Causeway path on a daily basis. The new 6-metre-wide shared path will greatly improve the safety of those who wish to walk or ride to and from Victoria Park to the city. The new bridges will also greatly improve enjoyment of our beautiful area and the city, and become an attraction for locals and tourists alike.
"The new Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges will link my community of Victoria Park with Matagarup (Heirisson Island) and Boorloo (Perth City), creating increased connectivity between our inner-city suburbs and the Perth CBD.
"By incorporating references to prominent Whadjuk Noongar figures like Yagan and Balbuk, we're able to recognise the significance Matagarup (Heirisson Island) and the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River) have to Whadjuk Noongar culture and heritage."
