New milestone reached on $230m WA Swan River Crossings Project

Western Australia’s $230 million Swan River Crossings project in Fremantle is a step closer to construction following the unveiling of the new alignment that was the result of an extensive community consultation. 

The new rail and road bridges, which were initially set to be built east of the existing Fremantle Traffic Bridge, are now going to be built between the existing Fremantle Traffic Bridge and the current rail bridge. 

This multi-million-dollar project will be replacing the 83-year-old Fremantle Traffic Bridge to increase passenger and freight rail capacity as well as improve safety for both road and river users and provide modern pedestrian and cycling facilities. 

“The Fremantle Traffic Bridge is an iconic and popular structure, having been a staple in the Fremantle community for the past 83 years. 

“We anticipate early works to commence later this year, with major construction kicking off in early 2022, supporting more than 1,400 local jobs,” Premier Mark McGowan said. 

The Swan River Crossings Project will feature: 

• Two new bridges – one road and one rail – between the existing rail bridge and the existing Fremantle Traffic Bridge 
• Transport infrastructure to be closer together, maximising space for landscape and design on the southern bank 
• New pedestrian and cyclist facilities 
• Possible retention of a remnant portion of the existing Fremantle Traffic Bridge, with the remainder of the bridge demolished 
• Relocation or reinterpretation of the heritage listed Ferry Capstan base 

“The Morrison Government is investing in infrastructure projects across Western Australia to cut travel times and ensure commuters get home sooner and safer, deliver a more reliable road network for freight, and reduce congestion by addressing local bottlenecks. 

“This project will not only help improve congestion in the region, but it will create local jobs and is a great example of the importance of listening to the community and addressing its needs,” Federal Member for Swan Steve Irons said. 

Preferred alignment (source: Main Roads WA)

With the preferred alignment set, the project will now progress to development and design. 

The next phase of community consultation, on the other hand, will include a series of forums and discussions on priorities that relate to the heritage interpretation as well as the connectivity for cycling and pedestrian paths. 

“More than 1,000 people have had their say on their preferred alignment of the Swan River Crossings Project and I am pleased we have been able to deliver on this preferred option. 

“This is a significant project that has been on the agenda for decades, as there are ongoing significant maintenance costs with the existing bridge and a need to replace the current bridge with a new structure,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

Major construction on the project is expected to commence in early 2022. 

The Swan River Crossings Project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, each contributing $115 million. 

“The Morrison Government is getting on with delivering infrastructure projects that improve congestion and safety for commuters across Australia, making it easier for them to move around our capital cities and ensuring they get home quickly and safely. 

“Under the Urban Congestion Fund, we are delivering 177 individual packages of works nationwide. The total number of Urban Congestion Fund projects that are now completed or underway nationwide is 65. A further 51 are expected to start construction later this year. 

“This is just the latest example of us delivering on our commitment to progress critical infrastructure projects across the country under our record $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline, which is helping to drive Australia's world-leading economic recovery,” Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts; Main Roads Western Australia