The final concept plan for the Swan River Crossings project is set to transform a key gateway into Fremantle and as part of the McGowan Government's major revitalisation of Fremantle's waterfront precincts.
The concept plan features a direct connection into the port city via Queen Victoria Street and realigning Canning Highway to travel under the new traffic bridge, creating new connections for road, rail, boat and path users.
Importantly, community aspirations will be realised with the area in front of the heritage-listed Naval Store becoming available to progress opportunities for a new public open space.
The transformation of the area includes:
- removing the signalised intersection at Canning Highway and Queen Victoria Street;
- realigning Canning Highway from East Street to travel down and under the new bridge, and connecting to Beach Street;
- prioritising journeys into Fremantle via Queen Victoria Street, providing a direct, free-flowing journey from North Fremantle into the harbour city; and
- opportunities for urban landscaping, heritage interpretation and community connection for an area in front of the existing Naval Store, including the use of existing timber pylons in the current traffic bridge.
Cyclists and pedestrians will have new paths on both sides of the new traffic bridge - including a four-metre-wide standard pedestrian and cyclist path on the western side and a three-metre-wide shared path on the east.
Shifting Canning Highway will create a new direct connection into Victoria Quay. This aligns with the recent release of the draft Fremantle Harbours Master Plan which will revitalise and connect all of Fremantle's waterfront precincts.
Architects and local urban designers continue to guide the project with development of an Architectural Urban and Landscaping Design framework. This early concept has been presented to the Heritage Council, the State Design Review Panel and key stakeholders.
Ongoing discussions will continue throughout the development approvals process in the coming months.
The $280 million Swan River Crossings project is one of Fremantle's most significant infrastructure projects and will see the delivery of new rail and traffic bridges.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, each contributing $140 million.
As stated by WA Premier Mark McGowan:
"Under my Government, the transformation of Fremantle into a modern and vibrant port city is underway.
"The Swan River Crossings project will create the new gateway to Fremantle, providing a direct link into the revitalised and bustling Victoria Quay.
"It will build on the area's unique heritage to develop a new public space at the Naval Store, linking up with Fremantle's other waterfront precincts as they undergo a major redevelopment over coming years."
As stated by Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"The $280 million Swan River Crossings project is an investment in the future of Fremantle.
"The Swan River Crossings project will replace the Fremantle Traffic Bridge, improve cycling and pedestrian paths, increase passenger and freight rail capacity, and improve navigational safety for river users.
"Our commitment to investing in transport infrastructure will provide opportunities for local business and create local jobs."
As stated by WA Transport, Planning and Ports Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The Swan River Crossings project has been talked about for many years and we are now well on the way to delivering a project where community input has clearly influenced the outcome.
"It is very exciting to see a design that responds to the community's aspirations for more open spaces and considered urban design.
"This concept design will allow for traffic to flow more freely into Fremantle and create better connections to precincts, such as Victoria Quay and the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, where significant redevelopment planning is underway.
"The road alignment will also create new precincts for the community to enjoy, including a public open space in front of the Naval Store.
As stated by Federal Member for Fremantle Josh Wilson:
"The new Fremantle bridge is a once-in-a-century project with multiple benefits. It will ensure that road, rail, pedestrian, and cycle traffic flow more smoothly, and the surrounding area will be revitalised with more space and better access around heritage places like Cantonment Hill.
"This major project will create easier, safer, and more spectacular journeys for people, bikes, boats, and commuter traffic.
"As the Swan River Crossing project moves into the next phase, I also look forward to the opportunities it will create for local employment and businesses."
As stated by State Member for Fremantle Simone McGurk:
"Our Government is undertaking significant work to revitalise Fremantle, and the Swan River Crossings project is going to be a critical part of how we transform our harbour city in the future.
"The changes will create better connections into Fremantle and also create new open spaces for the community to enjoy, and retain the historic Naval Store."
As stated by State Member for Bicton Lisa O'Malley:
"Not only will this project deliver significantly improved rail and traffic bridges into Fremantle, it will improve the way people enter Fremantle from Canning Highway.
"Taking Canning Highway under the new traffic bridges will not only create an uninterrupted journey into Fremantle, but also open up new spaces for the community to enjoy."
