The $1.5 billion Perth City Deal has hit another major milestone today, with the first sod turned for the iconic Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges, marking the start of construction.
The $100 million project will feature two cable-stayed bridges, providing a 6-metre-wide shared path linking Victoria Park foreshore at McCallum Park with Heirisson Island and Perth's CBD at Point Fraser.
Delivered by the Causeway Link Alliance (comprising Civmec Construction and Engineering Pty Ltd, Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd, WSP Australia Pty Ltd and Main Roads), the project will provide major improvements to safety, connectivity and amenity for people commuting to work and education, as well as tourists.
The existing Causeway shared path is used by more than 3000 people every day and is no longer fit for purpose. With path user numbers predicted to rise as Perth's population continues to grow, this dedicated pedestrian and cycling infrastructure will improve safety by separating path users from broader traffic.
The new bridges will offer alternative transport options with greater connectivity, as well as further enhancing the natural environment and public amenity.
The project site holds strong cultural significance to Aboriginal people, and in consultation with the Project's Matagarup Elders Group, interpretive architectural and landscape design has been incorporated to showcase Whadjuk Noongar culture and heritage.
Expressions of interests closed in January for Noongar artists to deliver public art at the site, including sculptural totems, patterned pathway design and wall artworks, with shortlisting now underway.
The Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Government, providing $50 million each, and is expected to be complete in late 2024.
As stated by WA Premier Mark McGowan:
"The Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges will be a major landmark for Perth, helping to bring more people to the CBD safely and efficiently.
"More opportunities for cycling and walking into the city means less cars on the road, and a safer commute for visitors and workers in the city.
"This project is part of our enormous investment into Perth city, supporting local jobs and businesses as we reinvigorate the CBD."
As stated by Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"Our partnership with the Western Australian Government is helping to transform the city, creating local jobs and bringing greater investment to further strengthen the State's economy.
"The Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges is an iconic project that will support the reinvigoration of the city's eastern gateway and provide a new option for commuters to get to and from the CBD.
"These iconic bridges are being built and manufactured locally in WA by Western Australian workers creating more jobs and opportunity in Perth."
As stated by WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The existing Causeway Bridge is one of the busiest connections to central Perth, and the current infrastructure is far too narrow to accommodate the current demand from cyclists and pedestrians.
"With the backdrop of Swan River, these two new iconic bridges will not only be visually stunning, they will provide our community and tourists better connectivity and encourage more people to visit the CBD, which will support local businesses.
"We are investing record amounts ($347 million) in new riding and walking infrastructure over the next four years, supporting our community, the economy and creating more jobs.
"We want to make walking and riding safe and convenient and encourage more people to utilise different modes of transport. To do that, we need to build infrastructure that connects our communities like the Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges."
As stated by Federal Member for Perth Patrick Gorman:
"The Australian Government is delivering for the people, pedestrians and cyclists of Perth."
"This beautiful bridge will help make Perth a more family friendly city, increasing accessibility and amenity for local residents, tourists and business visitors."
As stated by Federal Member for Swan Zaneta Mascarenhas:
"The Swan River is a stunning jewel in Perth's crown. The numbers of pedestrians and cyclists have increased with people making the most of our picturesque foreshore".
"As a cyclist, I have found the shared path is challenging to negotiate. The new bridge will be both beautiful and practical. Pedestrians and cyclists will feel safer, and it should encourage more people to get out and get active."
As stated by State Member for Perth John Carey:
"This is a fantastic project for one of the most iconic bridges and a gateway entrance to East Perth that will ultimately bring more people in the Perth CBD.
"These upgrades been talked about for years and it's great to see our Government investing in and delivering major transport infrastructure projects that benefit the whole community.
"More than 3,300 pedestrians and cyclists use the current Causeway Bridge every day - and this upgrade will ensure Perth remains connected through new infrastructure, making Perth a liveable and accessible city."
As stated by State Member for Victoria Park Hannah Beazley:
"Victoria Park is only 4km from the Perth CBD, and this landmark construction will provide a new connection between the city and the bustling Albany Highway café strip.
"My constituents will welcome a safer way to cycle and walk to the CBD and enjoy our beautiful Swan River."
