Main Roads WA Week 2 Report After Old Bridge Closure

In the second week after closure of the Old Fremantle Traffic Bridge on 1 February 2026, Main Roads WA reports that Stirling Bridge and the surrounding network remain congested during peak times, with the afternoon peak experiencing heavier congestion than the morning peak. 

This last week, two-way traffic volumes on the existing Stirling Bridge increased by an additional 5% during the morning and afternoon peak periods compared to early last week. This now represents a 25-30% increase in traffic over the existing Stirling Bridge in both directions during peak times (over 9000 vehicles in two hours).

Perhaps Freo folk are not so concerned any more?

Overall, however, during the peak periods, traffic in both directions on the Stirling Bridge is approximately 20% lower than the combined volumes recorded across both bridges before the closure.

Main Roads add that this congestion is ‘within acceptable levels and is being actively managed’.  

We are told, what motorists no doubt already know, that –

• During the morning peak period, the primary congested movement is northbound across the Stirling Bridge.
• During the afternoon peak period, the southbound movements on Stirling Highway and Tydeman Road are most affected by delays.

Main Roads ‘continues to encourage the community to help minimise congestion by using public transport where possible and adjusting travel times to avoid busy peak periods’.

Road users are also reminded to comply with all road signage on the network.

Interestingly, something we hadn’t thought of, Main Roads have also contacted all universities to advise staff and students to plan ahead as classes commence for 2026. Obviously, a good idea to avoid 9 am and 5 pm classes!

Don’t hesitate to tell us about your traffic experiences on Freo roads so we can both share them and warn others about trouble spots.

And don’t miss our related story Freo Battles The Post-Bridge Blues, replete with the lyrics!

Based on Main Roads WA info as of 13 February 2026

Credit Paul Horre for the Freo BUG – Bicycle Users Group~ 

~ And here’s our earlier article on Freo BUG and their Bridge safety concerns, featuring Paul Horre’s pics

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