NEW FREMANTLE TRAFFIC BRIDGE TO OPEN BEFORE END OF THE YEAR

Here’s the joint media statement released today by the Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King and WA Transport and Major Infrastructure Minister Rita Saffioti

The Albanese and Cook Labor Governments have today confirmed construction of the new Fremantle Traffic Bridge is progressing ahead of schedule, with the project on track to fully open to road users later this year.

The old Fremantle Traffic Bridge was closed on 1 February, with the closure originally expected to continue for up to 12 months and the new bridge earmarked to open in the first half of 2027.

Despite a challenging construction environment, demolition of the old bridge is now complete, and construction of the new bridge continues to make strong progress.

Here’s how the new Bridge is looking just now, courtesy of this fab eye in the sky image taken recently for Fremantle Shipping News by Les Moyle of Balm Commercial Photography

Through a carefully considered methodology, the old timber traffic bridge was able to be removed whilst construction on the new bridge was taking place.

The new bridge’s concrete deck has been completed, with barriers to separate the road and shared paths currently being installed.

Works will soon begin to complete the new road across the bridge including priming, sealing, and asphalting.

All four bridge towers are fully visible, with scaffolding removed and construction cranes on both sides of the bridge expected to be demobilised later this month.

Terracing works are also underway on the southern side of the bridge close to Beach Street, which will form a key part of the bridge’s urban landscaping strategy and provide a public space for the local community to enjoy.

The old bridge has been successfully removed from the river, with four rows of timber on the northern side retained to acknowledge the old bridge’s heritage.

This has delivered a wider, safer navigational channel for commercial and recreational river users, including ferries passing under the bridge.

Here’s an artist’s impression of how the new Bridge will look when finished

The project team will also reinstate the Canning Highway and Queen Victoria Street intersection, undertake drainage works, and progress with landscaping and urban design activities on both sides of the crossing.

Following bridge opening, various local intersections which were modified to support the closure will be reinstated.

The new Fremantle Traffic Bridge will be Australia’s first extradosed bridge, combining both cantilevers and cable stay supports.

It will feature two lanes in each direction and new wider shared paths for pedestrians and cyclists.

A community event will be held to mark the opening of the new bridge with the date and details to be announced in the coming months.

The Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said –

“It is a big win for the community that the new Fremantle traffic bridge is on track to fully open later this year.

“The Fremantle bridge will cut travel time for commuters, create new community spaces, and make the river wider and safer.

“The Albanese Government, in partnership with the Cook Government, is delivering modern, reliable infrastructure that makes Fremantle and its surrounds a better place to live.”

The WA Transport and Major Infrastructure Minister Rita Saffioti added –

“The speed at which the new traffic bridge has emerged on the Fremantle skyline has been remarkable to watch.

“Not only is this Australian-first bridge design highly complex, but work has been underway to remove the old bridge and build the new one at the same time, on a very busy river close to an operating port.

“Despite these challenges and thanks to the outstanding efforts of the project team, this incredible new bridge will be finished and open before the end of the year.

“We knew closing the old bridge was going to be tough, but the local community, businesses, schools, and freight industry have all done their part to avoid major disruptions to the surrounding road network.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has changed up their peak-hour travel plans or made the switch to public transport during this period, every small change has helped keep Fremantle moving.

“This new bridge will service Fremantle for generations to come, and its progress shows what can be achieved when the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments work together to deliver for Western Australia.”

Federal Member for Fremantle Josh Wilson was equally effusive –

“This is a major milestone for Fremantle and it’s fantastic that this elegant and functional new bridge will open ahead of schedule.

“I have been advocating for this project for many years because the old bridge was no longer fit for the future needs of Fremantle. This new crossing will improve safety, support active transport, strengthen freight connectivity, and deliver a better gateway to our city.

“This is the biggest infrastructure investment in Fremantle in my lifetime, and it is being delivered because the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments backed our community and worked together to get it done.

“I want to thank the community for its patience during construction. Seeing the bridge progress ahead of schedule is a credit to everyone involved, and I know people will be rapt to see this iconic first-of-a-kind span open later this year.”

As was Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk who proudly observed –

“The new Fremantle Traffic Bridge is a once-in-a-generation project, with the last bridge constructed on this site back in 1939.

“In the two years since we broke ground, the project has captured the imagination of the community, attracting extensive interest from residents and visitors alike, and the ever-changing landscape has been fascinating to watch.

“Opening this project ahead of schedule is great news for the Freo community, for local retailers, and all those who visit our city over the summer holiday period.”

Bicton MLA Lisa O’Malley also was excited to say –

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of delivering this transformational infrastructure project ahead of schedule for communities like mine here in the electorate of Bicton.

“Once open, this new bridge will provide wider shared paths for locals to walk or ride across the bridge and encourage active transport to help reduce congestion on our roads.

“Thank you again to everyone throughout the electorate of Bicton and beyond for their patience and for doing their part throughout the bridge closure to help minimise the impacts on our road network.”

Well done!

*By Michael Barker, Editor, Fremantle Shipping News

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