Here’s the very latest from Main Roads WA on what’s happening on and around the Bridge as the grand opening on 1 November nears.
Swan River Crossings Fremantle Traffic Bridge Figure 1: Aerial view of the new Fremantle Traffic BridgeThe new Fremantle Traffic Bridge will open three months ahead of schedule on Sunday 1 November 2026. The community is invited to walk across the New Fremantle Traffic Bridge before it officially opens to traffic to mark the historic occasion. Join us for a free family-friendly festival from 9am to 1pm with a sausage sizzle, activities and entertainment. To help us plan catering, transport and festival activities, please register via this link. Following closure of the existing bridge on 1 February 2026, the project’s strong delivery performance and considerable progress on site have enabled the earlier opening of the new iconic structure. We extend our sincere appreciation to local businesses and the wider community for their ongoing support during the project. Opening the bridge before the Christmas trading period should benefit both businesses and residents in the area. Construction Update Southern Side of the Bridge Reinstatement works on Beach Street are continuing, with street lighting installed and kerbing for new median islands completed on the south-west corner. Embankment works near the Ferry Capstan are advancing. On the south-east corner, construction of the staircase linking Canning Highway and Beach Street, along with the terraced retaining walls, is nearing completion. Asphalt paving at the Queen Victoria Street and Canning Highway intersection is underway.  Figure 2: South-west corner showing Beach Street constructionOver the next two months, road construction on Beach Street will progress, including asphalt surfacing and line marking to prepare for re-opening. Next steps include landscaping and commissioning of the new traffic signals at the Queen Victoria Street and Canning Highway intersection. Installation of balustrades and signage are among the finishing touches to the staircase and terraced retaining walls.  Figure 3: South-east corner showing staircase and terraced wallsOn the Bridge Scour protection works are progressing around the northern towers. If you look closely at the image with the red circle, you can see the submerged concrete marine mats, which are made from recycled oyster shells and feature eco-engineered surfaces. These innovative mats aim to support native marine life, promote blue carbon sequestration, and help minimise visual and hydrological impacts. Concrete works for the paths on both sides of the bridge are complete. Waterproofing and surface treatments are scheduled in coming weeks. Parapets, balustrades and permanent barriers have been installed. Remaining works include road construction activities such as kerbing, priming, asphalt paving and line marking, along with installation of street lighting and signage.  Figure 4: Aerial view of the bridge showing scour protection and paths on both sides of the bridgeNorthern Side of the Bridge The rock revetment on the north-east side is complete. Construction is underway on the northern lookout and staircase that will connect to a path under the bridge. Click here for more information on how to access the area when the new bridge opens. The north-west staircase is complete, while work continues on the Principal Shared Path (PSP) along the western side of the bridge, extending to Tydeman Road. Reinstatement of the Podger Lane car park near the Swan Hotel is progressing. On the northern approach, kerb installation for median islands is ongoing. Other works to be completed for bridge opening include: *Construction of the shared path between the bridge and Swan Street. *Installation of permanent road barriers. *Formation of the embankment between the shared path and properties adjacent to Queen Victoria Street. *Landscaping across the project area. Installation of balustrades and signage on the staircase and terraced retaining walls are among the finishing touches.  Figure 5: North-east corner showing viewpoint and rock re  Figure 6: Northen approach showing PSP, carpark and median island construction Bridge Lighting sThe new bridge will feature an innovative and unique program of architectural and feature lighting which has been prepared to celebrate stories of the crossing that date back thousands of years, reflecting four broad heritage themes:The cultural and spiritual significance of the river landscape.The history of engineering innovation and river crossings (bridges).The river crossing as a gateway between north and south of the river.The signals and markers that have guided movement along the river for generations.Local community members will see a sneak peek of the lighting with testing now underway. Road Network Changes Once the new bridge opens, the network modifications implemented to help support traffic flow during the bridge closure will be removed. This will include reinstating the east and west movements on Canning Highway across Stirling Highway, removing the no right turn at various intersections, improving connectivity and reducing detours for road users. These works are expected to start after 1 November and continue until December 2026. Regular updates will continue to be shared so the community knows what to expect and can plan their journeys accordingly. Final donation to St Patrick’s Community Support Centre Our strong relationship with St Patrick’s over the past three years is coming to a close, with the project’s final donation recently completed.  Figure 7: Food donations for a Christmas AppealWhile based in Fremantle, the Alliance and contractors have been collecting donations for the winter and Christmas appeals. Donations included clothes, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, hats and sanitary items and non-perishable food items. We have also volunteered our time at the warehouse on a few occasions. We are proud to have contributed to the important work St Patrick’s does in the community, helping to create a positive and lasting outcome for those in need. We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated organisation.  Figure 8: Sleep blankets and mats for Winter AppealFurther Information Click here to learn more about the Project. For enquiries, please phone 138 138 or email enquiries@mainroads.wa.gov.au. |
~ Here’s more of our FSN Freo Traffic Bridge coverage
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