The Final Concept Designs For Freo’s New Traffic Bridge Have Been Revealed

The replacement design for Fremantle’s 80+ year old traffic bridge was revealed over the weekend, with the WA Government citing its importance in revitalising Fremantle’s waterfront precincts.

The design seeks to provide a direct connection to the port via Queen Victoria Street, and realigning Canning Highway to go underneath the new bridge.

“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,” said Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King.

Key points of the transformed area include:

• 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;
• Opportunities for urban landscaping, heritage interpretation and community connection 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.

The Swan River Crossings project will cost $280, being jointly funded the Federal and State Governments to the tune of $140 million each.

“The new Fremantle bridge is a once-in-a-century project with multiple benefits,” said Federal Member for Fremantle Josh Wilson.

“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.”