Stephenson Avenue Extension progresses with construction of two new bridges

The Stephenson Avenue Extension and Stirling Bus Interchange projects in Western Australia continue to move towards completion and motorists will notice a big change over the coming months as two new bridges are built over the Mitchell Freeway. 

The bridges are being delivered to support the new Stephenson Avenue Interchange and the Stirling Station Bus Interchange. 

“Congestion through this area has long been a point of frustration for locals, which is why we’re getting on with the job of improving things. 

“This project will enhance the way visitors and locals commute through the area, and also plug a critical gap on our shared path network along the Mitchell Freeway. 

“We’ll see new opportunities for housing development unlocked, in a prime location alongside the Stirling bus interchange and train station,” Scarborough MLA Stuart Aubrey said. 

The project team will build the bridge using a unique construction method that will see the bridges progressively built and “launched” from one side of the freeway to the other. 

This advanced construction technique was selected as it maintains access to the Mitchell Freeway and train services while showing an innovative approach to delivering infrastructure in the State. 

The construction method will utilise casting beds where reinforced concrete bridge sections are poured and cured before being launched into place over live traffic conditions. Meanwhile, permanent and temporary piers are established on the freeway and traffic is shifted onto a temporary alignment while works are carried out. 

A temporary bus entrance has also been built to ensure buses will continue to run while the bridges are being constructed. 

Construction of the two bridges is expected to take up to six months to complete. 

“People driving along the Mitchell Freeway have probably noticed the significant amount of work happening along this section, but these bridge launches will take things to the next level. 

“Over the next six months, people will see these bridges gradually emerging over the Mitchell Freeway, but the construction method we’re using means that access for road users and train commuters will be maintained. 

“This Stephenson Avenue Extension project is transformational for this part of our city, and will make a big difference to the way people commute and get around. 

“We are completely changing up the way local residents and visitors will access this area, while creating more opportunity, by opening up undeveloped land near the freeway and Stirling Station,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

Project map (source: Main Roads Western Australia)

The bridges are being built as part of the broader Stephenson Avenue Extension, which is now over 40 per cent complete. 

The Stephenson Avenue Extension is delivered in two phases. Phase one of the project extended Stephenson Avenue from Scarborough Beach Road to Howe Street and included two new signalised intersections. 

Phase two of the project, currently under construction, will extend Stephenson Avenue from Howe Street to the Mitchell Freeway. Works under this stage include: 

• Stephenson Avenue grade separated interchange at Mitchell Freeway, including a new bridge over the freeway and train line 
• New road connecting Sarich Court to Cedric Street on the west side of the freeway, including a new bridge for Stephenson Avenue 
• New shared path on the east side of Mitchell Freeway from Telford Crescent to Civic Place, including an underpass under Stephenson Avenue 
• New shared paths along Stephenson Avenue and connections to the new path along the freeway 
• Modifications to Mitchell Freeway and Cedric Street interchange, removing the southbound off and on-ramps and northbound off-ramp 
• New access to Stirling Station car park 
• Upgraded Stirling Bus Interchange from an 18-stand to 30-stand facility 

“The Stephenson Avenue Extension will enable a transformation towards the future Stirling City Centre, unlocking development in the area. 

“This future development area is well connected for pedestrians, cycling and public transport options in addition to the road upgrades,” Balcatta MLA David Michael said. 

To date, more than 200 local businesses have been engaged to help deliver the project. 

The Stephenson Avenue Extension and Stirling Bus Interchanged projects are jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Main Roads Western Australia; Government of Western Australia – Public Transport Authority