The next stage of consultation for the Swan River Crossings Project is now underway with Fremantle residents, businesses and the wider community encouraged to provide feedback on the possible alignment of the new bridges.
A construction team working with Main Roads has been considering four potential bridge alignment options and will continue to assess the design, construction approach, environmental and heritage requirements and value for money of each proposal.
While the initial proposal placed a new traffic bridge to the east of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge, in direct response to community feedback, alternative locations are now being assessed including building between the existing road and rail bridges.
The construction team will be out and about at various locations in Fremantle over the coming weeks, encouraging people to provide input. Pop-ups, webinars and an interactive online platform will all be available.
Community and stakeholder feedback will inform the final assessment of the options by the construction team.
Once the assessment of possible alignments is complete, the community will be asked to participate in further workshops and discussions on priorities relating to design such as heritage interpretation, bridge aesthetics and connectivity for pedestrian and cycling paths.
The Swan River Crossings Project will replace the Fremantle Traffic Bridge and increase passenger and freight rail capacity, improve safety for road and river users and provide modern cycling and pedestrian facilities.
Construction of the project is anticipated to begin in late 2021.
The Swan River Crossings Project is jointly funded by the Morrison Government and Western Australian Government, with each contributing $115 million.
As stated by Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher:
“The Morrison Government has accelerated the delivery of its funding for the Swan River Crossings Project so that construction on this project can get started sooner.
“This project is a great example of our Government’s $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline delivering positive outcomes for Western Australians.
“This investment pipeline is all about creating local jobs and boosting communities as we recover economically from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
As stated by Western Australian Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti:
“The Swan River Crossings Project is one of the most complex, challenging and exciting projects we are undertaking in the metropolitan area right now – road, rail, port, freight, river, walking, cycling, heritage, environment are all in the mix.
“Fremantle is a highly engaged community who are keen to actively work with the alliance team to get the best outcomes for the Swan River Crossings Project.
“Continuing the momentum of community and stakeholder consultation will be a priority as the alliance team moves through development and design.
“The Swan River Crossings Project is Building for Tomorrow, securing the infrastructure needed for our future while also supporting the Western Australian economy through the COVID-19 pandemic.”
