Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has asked Main Roads to enter discussions with Traditional Owners to explore the viability of a new alignment for the Lloyd Street Bridge as part of the mediation process under Section 10 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act.
Traditional Owners and local conservation groups have put forward a new alignment for consideration.
The new proposal moves the bridge further west, to a narrower crossing of the Helena River, loosely following the footprint of the old Whiteman Road bridge that was demolished in 2002.
The proposed re-alignment is less imposing on local registered Aboriginal heritage sites' native vegetation, nearby wetlands and on the river flood plain.
An ancient rock shelter, which Traditional Owners have raised concerns about, will continue to be protected under a new alignment.
The State Government is committed to exploring a mediated outcome which addresses the concerns of Traditional Owners and other local groups, while meeting road network efficiency and connectivity requirements.
The Lloyd Street Bridge project is being delivered by Main Roads on behalf of the City of Swan, who delivered the northern and southern sections, and is co-funded by State and Federal Governments.
The proposed new alignment will be a significant diversion from the original proposal.
The project will create a new southern entry to Midland, providing improved access to St John of God Hospital, the Curtin University campus and an emerging entertainment precinct.
The project will reduce traffic on Military Road in Midland and on the section of Clayton Street between Military Road and Lloyd Street. City of Swan modelling also indicates the project will reduce traffic volumes through Guildford by around 15 per cent.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"I appreciate the fact that the Traditional Owners and local conservation groups have put forward a new alignment of the Lloyd Street Bridge for consideration.
"I originally supported the first proposed alignment because it was put forward by the City of Swan and connected the northern and southern approaches of Lloyd Street, which Council only completed in mid-2020.
"However, as the local Traditional Owners and groups have suggested the new proposal I am happy for us to examine this and see how it may work.
"We took on this project on behalf of the City of Swan, and we will continue to work to make this project happen.
"While we undertake these discussions, the project will be placed on hold. Discussions with the contractors are underway."
