The Western Australian Government has announced that it will be replacing the ageing Congdon Street Bridge that has connected Swanbourne and Clermont for over a century.
Through the 2024-25 State Budget, $38 million has been allocated to build a new bridge along the same alinement as the existing 114-year-old bridge on Clermont Crescent.
The original Congdon Street Bridge – which traverses the Fremantle Line – was built in 1910 and it is due for replacement.
The proposed new bridge will not only improve safety for motorists, but it will also reduce maintenance cost and prevent closures that inconvenience commuters.
Moreover, replacing the old bridge also presents an opportunity to increase capacity and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists while enhancing the surrounding streetscape.
Early designs of the new bridge consider the potential for future development on land near the bridge, given its location near the Swanbourne Train Station.
A comprehensive evaluation of options for the existing bridge resulted in replacing Congdon Street Bridge as the best option for the community.
“Congdon Street Bridge is an ageing 114-year-old asset which was made of local timber more than a century ago. The bridge is used by more than 5,000 vehicles daily and represents a critical link for residents, businesses, schools and commuters in the Swanbourne community.
“Many considerations were taken into account before determining the best solution for this project. The State Government has commissioned extensive detailed design work over the past few years, ensuring the new structure meets safety, access and design standards.
“A key component of this planning process has included feedback from the community and stakeholders during consultation for this project.
“As part of this feedback, we have also identified an opportunity to undertake streetscaping improvements to the local road network, which will ensure the community has a lasting legacy in this important project,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
The three-year project will involve building a new and improved structure that features increased clearance and an improved shared path that runs parallel with the Perth-Fremantle train line.
A temporary bridge is going to be built west of the existing bridge to maintain connectivity in the community while the new bridge is being constructed.
Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Main Roads Western Australia; Yahoo! News