The Latest From Main Roads WA On Traffic Flows and Bridge Building

Here’s the report just to hand on 5 March 2026, from Main Roads WA on traffic flows since the Old Traffic Bridge closure and how new Bridge construction is proceeding. Sorry, it’s all pretty general stuff. But this is all Main Roads have provided this week.

‘In the initial weeks following closure, the road network has continued to flow and the number of road users seeking to cross the river during peak hour has reduced. It is apparent that people are rethinking their peak hour travel patterns, including using trains and buses, flexible work hours and using active transport to and from work. Schools both north and south of Stirling Bridge are also changing behaviours following our significant engagement program that started in October 2024.

‘For example: Some schools open earlier to accommodate early drop-offs.Some parents and students are taking bikes on trains between Fremantle and North Fremantle. More students are catching public transport, including trains.Some colleges are providing additional shuttle buses to collect students from train stations.

‘We sincerely thank schools and the wider community for planning ahead, reducing vehicle use where possible, and shifting to alternative modes of transport. See links below for further information: Transport Options During Bridge Closure.Fremantle Traffic Bridge Closure – Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure.Fremantle Traffic Bridge Closure – Transperth.

‘Importantly, Fremantle, North Fremantle and East Fremantle are open for business, and we encourage you to continue to support local businesses during the bridge closure.

‘Final Edge Beam Segments Installed

‘The Project reached a major milestone in late January with all 166 edge beam segments installed before the bridge closed. This allowed us to start removing the existing bridge immediately after closure. Community members noticed small gaps in the middle and at the end of the bridge between the final segments. These gaps were intentionally left to allow space to connect the last segments (in the middle and at the ends), with a stitch pour used to fill and complete the join. A stitch pour is a construction technique commonly used in precast construction to connect two separate concrete sections together.

Final edge beam segment leaving the pre-cast hare facility

‘Bridge Removal Underway

‘Works to dismantle the old bridge were underway the day after its closure to traffic and are making strong progress. In early February, large concrete sections of the old bridge deck were removed and parts of the timber deck dismantled. This is the first of six stages of bridge removal outlined in our step-by-step Bridge Removal Process Factsheet.

Bridge deck removal in progress

‘T-Roff Beams

‘Finishing the edge beams will allow us to start constructing the new bridge deck while we remove the existing bridge. This includes installation of T-Roff beams. Similar to the edge beams, the T-Roff beams are precast and delivered to site by truck. A total of 46 T-Roff beams will be installed by the cranes. Eight of these beams weigh approximately 100 tonnes and will be placed at the base of each tower and on the abutments. The 38 smaller beams will weigh approximately 70 tonnes each – which is equivalent to approximately 18 empty 40 foot shipping containers. Each beam will connect into the edge beams on the eastern and western sides, providing a secure structure on which to build the bridge deck. The first T-Roff beam is expected to be installed in March.’