Major works commence on $430m new Swan River Crossings Fremantle project

Construction is now underway on one of Fremantle’s largest infrastructure projects, the $430 million new Swan River Crossings Project. 

This development is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, each contributing $215 million. 

Key features of the new Fremantle Traffic Bridge over the Swan River include: 

• Two traffic lanes in each direction 

• Ties into existing Queen Victoria Street at the northern end and Canning Highway intersection to the south 

• Wider and safer pedestrian and cyclist paths on each side of the new bridge (up to four metres wide) 

• Minimises impact to the limestone escarpment 

• Improves navigational safety for boats, kayaks and river users with higher and wider clearances (up to nine metres) 

• Provides space for any future rail bridges west of the new bridge 

“This is not just the largest and most significant infrastructure project in Fremantle for decades, it also represents a generational upgrade in terms of safe and smooth connectivity across the Derbal Yerrigan for vehicles, bikes, and people. 

“I am glad to have made the delivery of a new Fremantle bridge a major focus of my work, and I want to acknowledge the active and exacting engagement of my community in shaping what will be a highly functional and stylish feature of our port landscape,” Federal Member for Fremantle Josh Wilson said. 

The structure will be Australia’s only extradosed bridge, with its design incorporating both cantilevers and cable support. 

The new bridge’s design was released in November 2023, following an extensive period of consultation. The design delivers community aspirations for the structure to be an iconic entry statement to Fremantle while maintaining existing road layouts. 

“As a result of the extensive consultation undertaken, the design has significant community support and will deliver a spectacular gateway into Fremantle for those who live in, work in or visit this beautiful city. 

“Once complete, it will be Australia’s only extradosed bridge – a unique design, with extensive benefits for the community including more access for cyclists and pedestrians as well as those enjoying their day on the water. 

“I thank the community for its ongoing patience and support during construction and welcome the innovative delivery staging that allows much of the new bridge structure to be completed with as little traffic disruption as possible,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

Artist impression of the new bridge (source: Main Roads Western Australia)

The project is being delivered in a phased approach to enable the existing bridge to remain operational until late 2025, minimising disruption to road users. 

The first phase of major works will include the construction of four temporary jetties to provide a solid platform for the four large cranes that will be utilised to install the bridge piles and build the edge beams. The jetties will remain in place for the duration of the project. 

Building the temporary jetties and the bridge piers will need significant piling works due to the unique geology of the project site. Works commenced in late August of this year and will continue intermittently for about 12 months. 

“It’s been a long development and consultation process but it’s fantastic to see construction of the Swan River Crossings project get underway. 

“This new bridge will deliver an iconic entry statement into Fremantle, providing a safer corssing for all road users, improved paths for cyclists and pedestrians and better navigational safety for river users. 

“The construction methodology being used will ensure we’re able to keep the current bridge open for as long as possible, minimising the amount of time the crossing is closed. 

“While there will be some noise and disruption, particularly during piling works, the project team will work hard to manage the impacts of the community as far as possible,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

Main Roads Western Australia alongside the Fremantle Bridges Alliance are liaising extensively with residents, businesses, river users and other stakeholders to reduce the impacts of piling as much as possible. 

The Fremantle Bridges Alliance is comprised of Arup, WSP and Laing O’Rourke. 

Information on specific timing and impacts of the future closure of the existing Fremantle Traffic Bridge will be shared by the project team as the time of closure comes closer. 

The new Fremantle Traffic Bridge over the Swan River is anticipated to be completed in 2026. 

“The consultation process with the community has been extensive, so it will be welcome news for many to see work finally getting underway. 

“The old bridge has needed replacing for some time, and I think the new design delivers an iconic and fitting replacement of the existing structure. 

“The new design will also improve access for foot and bike traffic, something I know Fremantle locals are passionate about,” State Member for Fremantle Simone McGurk said. 

“I know how many Bicton locals recreate along the river – it’s a way of life for so many, which is why it’s so important we deliver this new bridge and improve navigational safety for boat and river users. 

“The new bridge has an incredible design and will no doubt provide an iconic entry statement to Fremantle for many years to come,” State Member for Bicton Lisa O’Malley said. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Main Roads Western Australia; WA Building for Tomorrow; Laing O’Rourke