Freo Battles The Post-Bridge Blues

Here we report on the Post-Bridge Blues especially in North Fremantle, the latest from City of Freo in combatting them, and unveil ‘The Post-Bridge Blues’ lyrics.

On 10 December, just before Christmas, the City of Freo Council, worried about just what the impact of the closure of the Old Traffic Bridge for up to a year might be on Fremantle, commendably resolved as follows –

ADVOCACY FOR BRIDGE CLOSURE INFORMATION REPORT

Council: 1. Receive the Advocacy Bridge Closure information report.

2. Adopt the following advocacy position, in addition to the advocacy priorities outlined in this report, to alleviate the impact of the bridge closure:
(1) Public Transport Incentives
a. Permitting bicycles on trains at any time between Fremantle and Claremont.
b. Free transit for SmartRider users who consistently tag on/off at Fremantle.
(2) Freight Restrictions During Peak Periods
a. Restriction of heavy vehicle movements through affected corridors during peak hours and enabling trucks to run during off-peak hours.
(3) Support for Temporary Local Road Interventions
a. Support to provide timely assistance to deliver temporary road interventions throughout the closure period.
b. Safer speeds of 30-40km/hour on local roads through the project and detour areas.
(4) Infrastructure Improvements to Support Active Transport and increased safety for pedestrians and cyclists
a. Funding and support to provide and upgrade a safe, accessible and legible connection between Fremantle and North Fremantle including road network changes in line with the advocacy of the Fremantle Bicycle User Group (BUG).
b. Increase the Stirling Bridge walking/cycle lane barrier height, so that it is safe for users.

3. Request that the Chief Executive Officer provide an update report to Council by March 2026, on the implementation of the advocacy priorities.

This week, following clearly articulated frustration from the North Fremantle Community Association though their highly articulated spokespersons Gerry MacGill and Charlie Nicholson, about Thompson Road having become the the preferred ‘rat run’ for out of town drivers, fuelled (they feared) by Apple and Google maps redirecting drivers from a gridlocked Stirling Highway travelling south towards the Stirling Bridge, to take Thompson Road, followed by an official suggestion that speed bumps be installed in Thompson Road (To do what? Gerry and Charlie asked. Slow the traffic?), we approached the City for comment on where things stand on the December advocacy resolution of Council, and responses to the understandable frustration of our North Freo families, brothers and sisters, cousins, aged persons, et al.

We thank David Settelmaier, Manager Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Relations at City of Fremantle, for taking the time to discuss the issues with our Editor and for following up with this timely and helpful report just to hand –

‘The City has been speaking to State Government stakeholders and agencies about these measures and conversations will continue during the closure period. We’ve had some agreement on bikes on trains during peak periods between Freo and North Freo as well as a commitment to rapid responses to prevent ‘rat running’ as a result of the closure. That being said, it currently appears that the traffic management measures put in place are largely effective. I’ve spoken to the [City’s project] team again, and they’ve confirmed that Main Roads is the best source for accurate traffic data.

‘With regards to Thompson Road, the rubber speed cushions we spoke about are being installed as part of a temporary trial to assess their effectiveness in reducing vehicle speeds and improving safety and amenity, particularly during periods of increased traffic pressure on surrounding arterial roads. As the trial progresses, the City will consider both the traffic monitoring results and feedback from residents before determining any next steps.

‘Also, I can confirm the City has previously lodged requests with Google to discourage the use of local streets as through-routes. However, it is important to note that navigation platforms operate independently, and drivers may still be directed through local roads during periods of congestion or incidents on Stirling Highway.’

Onwards and upwards!

I must ask Freo music legends Lucky Oceans and John Butler to compose music for ‘The Post-Bridge Blues’.

I’ve already got the lyrics, acknowledging the kind assistance of my Tim Rice/like sidekick, Copilot! Here they are –

Post Bridge Blues

(Copyright asserted)

(Verse 1)

Woke up early Monday, thought I’d make it into town,

Yeah I woke up early Monday, thought I’d make it into town,

But the bridge was gone to glory, and the traffic just sat down.

(Verse 2)

Got the Gage Roads gulls above me, and a line of cars behind,

Oh the Gage Roads gulls above me, and a line of cars behind,

Feels like every Freo local’s trapped in the same slow‑moving bind.

(Chorus)

I got those post‑bridge blues, since they shut the old girl tight,

Yeah those post‑bridge blues, since they shut the old girl tight,

Now every trip to North Freo feels like a never‑ending night.

(Verse 3)

Used to roll across that timber, hear the river hum below,

Yeah we rolled across that timber, hear the river hum below,

Now it’s detours, horns and heartbreak, and nowhere left to go.

(Bridge)

They say a new bridge’s coming, shiny, modern, tall and strong,

Oh they say a new bridge’s coming, shiny, modern, tall and strong,

But Freo folks are wondering why it’s taking so damn long.

(Final Chorus)

Got those post‑bridge blues, and they’re sinking in like rust,

Yeah those post‑bridge blues, sinking in like river rust,

But we’ll keep on rolling, Fremantle — ‘cause patience is our trust.

(Outro)

Till the day that ribbon’s cut, and the traffic finally flows,

We’ll be singing these blues together,

‘Cause every Freo local knows.

And here’s another brilliant pic of the Old Traffic Bridge/New Traffic Bridge taken from his eye in the sky by Les Moyle of Balm Commercial Photography.