- Fremantle Traffic Bridge to close on Sunday for up to 12 months
- Wide range of measures in place to keep traffic moving during closure
- Resources available to help commuters plan their journeys
- New traffic bridge part of Cook Government's commitment to future-proofing Fremantle's road network and delivering quality infrastructure for Western Australians
The State Government is encouraging peak hour road users to reconsider their travel patterns ahead of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge closure on Sunday, 1 February.
The bridge will be closed for up to 12 months, with the construction schedule to be reviewed regularly and the program expedited where possible. Nightworks will also be undertaken to assist with delivery timeframes.
Replacement of the nearly 90-year-old Fremantle Traffic Bridge will improve journeys for road and river users and deliver wider, safer paths for people to walk, wheel and ride over the Swan River.
It will be Australia's only extradosed bridge, a design that incorporates both cantilevers and cable support, and will replace the ageing timber frame bridge, which has required significant investment in recent years to maintain its structural integrity.
The major project is part of the Cook Government's commitment to delivering quality infrastructure for Western Australians and improving the State's road network.
The State Government has been working hard for more than 18 months to ensure stakeholders and the community are aware of and prepared for the upcoming closure.
A comprehensive suite of initiatives has been implemented to reduce peak-hour vehicle usage and keep Stirling Highway moving during the closure period.
This includes additional train and bus services, a free travel zone along South Terrace between Douro Road and Fremantle Station, additional transit officers, 100 additional parking bays at Fremantle Station and free parking for passengers using SmartRiders.
Removing the current $2 parking fee at the station in addition to the new Go Anywhere Fare will provide a weekly saving of up to $27 for commuters using the train to travel from Fremantle to Perth five days a week.
To keep traffic moving on Stirling Highway, Main Roads has modified 20 surrounding intersections and have installed 18 new devices to provide enhanced real-time monitoring of traffic movements so the information can be relayed immediately to road users.
From Monday morning, incident response teams will be permanently stationed alongside Stirling Highway in the area to respond immediately to any issues that occur on the road network.
Three new school bus special services will also be in place from Monday morning to provide services to Iona Presentation College, St Hilda's Anglican School For Girls and Presbyterian Ladies' College to reduce car usage to and from these schools over Stirling Bridge in the morning and afternoon peak.
A wide range of resources, including factsheets and an interactive map, are available on the Main Roads, Public Transport Authority and Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure websites to help road users familiarise themselves with the changes.
Pocket guides have been distributed to more than 40,000 residences in Fremantle and surrounding areas in recent months, with more than 60 information drop-in sessions held since May.
The new Live Traffic WA mobile phone app is also available to provide drivers in the Fremantle area with real-time alerts on traffic conditions and congestion.
The Fremantle Traffic Bridge was opened in 1939 as a temporary structure expected to last 40 years and has been deteriorating over several years.
The new extradosed bridge is being constructed on the existing alignment and will be the fifth bridge in this location.
It will feature two lanes in each direction, wider active transport paths, and higher clearance for watercrafts, providing safer, improved connections for the community.
Activity to dismantle the old bridge will begin immediately following the closure with timbers from the old bridge to be carefully assessed off site, and those in good condition salvaged and repurposed on other wooden bridges elsewhere in Western Australia.
Reusing good quality timbers on other wooden bridges provides a sustainable outcome and maximises the lifespan of the material.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"We've delivered the Matagarup Bridge and Boorloo Bridge, and now we're building an iconic new gateway for Fremantle that will service the port city and surrounding communities for generations to come.
"In the past six months, we have seen the outer structure of the new Fremantle Traffic Bridge take shape around the old one, with this innovative construction methodology allowing the current bridge to remain open for as long as possible.
"It's now essential we close the bridge to complete this incredible project, and we know this will have an impact on the local road network and people's travel times.
"That's why we've been working hard for over 18 months to ensure stakeholders and the community are aware of the upcoming closure and how they can best move around the road network during this time.
"We have developed a suite of measures to support traffic movement during the closure and are encouraging peak time road users to consider alternative ways of travelling including public transport, with fares the cheapest they've been in decades.
"We're asking everyone to play their part because every small change, or car journey taken outside morning and afternoon peak will help keep the network moving."
As stated by Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:
"The Cook Government has worked collaboratively with the community to develop ways to keep the road network moving during the closure of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge.
"We understand the closure will cause disruptions for our community which is why we've implemented a wide range of measures including additional trains and bus services, a free travel zone along South Terrace between Douro Road and Fremantle Station and free parking for passengers using SmartRiders.
"We're encouraging road users to reconsider their peak time commute and think about any changes they can make to help keep the network moving including taking public transport or carpooling."
As stated by Bicton MLA Lisa O'Malley:
"The new Fremantle Traffic Bridge is making great progress with the towers, edge beams and cable stay supports now in place.
"We know the closure of the old bridge will cause some inconvenience and delays on the road network which is why we're implementing a range of measures to support locals.
"With additional public transport services and free parking at Fremantle Station to coincide with the closure, it's a great time to rethink your travel habits and help beat the peak."
