Following extensive community consultation, the new alignment for the $230 million Swan River Crossings project in Fremantle has been unveiled today.
The project, which includes a new rail bridge and new road bridge, will be constructed between the existing Fremantle Traffic Bridge and current rail bridge.
Initially, the new bridges were to be built east of the existing Fremantle Traffic Bridge, however, in direct response to community feedback, alternative locations were assessed by the construction team.
Extensive consultation with the community was undertaken through pop-up sessions, webinars and an interactive online portal, with more than 1,000 people participating and having their say on the four bridge alignment options.
The Swan River Crossings Project will replace the current Fremantle Traffic Bridge, which is 83 years old, and increase passenger and freight rail capacity, improve safety for road and river users, and provide modern cycling and pedestrian facilities.
Key features of the preferred alignment include:
- Two new bridges to be built between the existing rail bridge and existing Fremantle Traffic Bridge;
- Transport infrastructure to be closer together, maximising space for landscape and design on the southern bank;
- New pedestrian and cyclist facilities;
- Possible retention of a remnant portion of the existing Fremantle Traffic Bridge, with the remainder of the bridge to be demolished;
- Relocation or reinterpretation of the heritage listed Ferry Capstan base.
The preferred alignment will now be progressed through to development and design, while the next phase of community consultation will include a series of forums and discussions on priorities relating to heritage interpretation and connectivity for pedestrian and cycling paths.
The $230 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments with each contributing $115 million.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"The Fremantle Traffic Bridge is an iconic and popular structure, having been a staple in the Fremantle community for the past 83 years.
"The new Swan River Crossings project will be built in between the existing Fremantle Traffic Bridge and rail bridge, providing new road and rail bridges as well as upgrading pedestrian and cycling facilities.
"We anticipate early works to commence later this year, with major construction kicking off in early 2022, supporting more than 1,400 local jobs."
As stated by Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher:
"The Morrison Government is getting on with delivering infrastructure projects that improve congestion and safety for commuters across Australia, making it easier for them to move around our capital cities and ensuring they get home quickly and safely.
"Under the Urban Congestion Fund, we are delivering 177 individual packages of works nationwide. The total number of Urban Congestion Fund projects that are now completed or underway nationwide is 65. A further 51 are expected to start construction later this year.
"This is just the latest example of us delivering on our commitment to progress critical infrastructure projects across the country under our record $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline, which is helping to drive Australia's world-leading economic recovery."
As stated by Minister for Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"More than 1,000 people have had their say on their preferred alignment of the Swan River Crossings Project and I am pleased we have been able to deliver on this preferred option.
"The project will see new road and rail bridges constructed, as well as a new dedicated pedestrian and cycling path - this is Stage 3 of the new Perth to Fremantle PSP, with Stage 1 completed and Stage 2 now underway.
"This is a significant project that has been on the agenda for decades, as there are ongoing significant maintenance costs with the existing bridge and a need to replace the current bridge with a new structure.
"Community consultation on this project will continue as we work through the final design and development stage before commencing construction."
As stated by Federal Member for Swan, Steve Irons MP:
"The Morrison Government is investing heavily in infrastructure projects across Western Australia to cut travel times and ensure commuters get home sooner and safer, deliver a more reliable road network for freight, and reduce congestion by addressing local bottlenecks.
"This project will not only help to improve congestion in the region but it will create local jobs and is a great example of the importance of listening to the community and addressing its needs."
