A new Fremantle Traffic Bridge in Western Australia is set to be built to replace the old bridge that was built as a temporary structure in 1938, with the State Government committing $230 million towards the construction of the new bridge.
Delivery of the new Fremantle Traffic Bridge is set to create up to 1,500 jobs for the region.
“This new bridge will put an end to the expensive patch ups on the old structure, which has served the area well for 80 years but is deteriorating and becoming a liability.
“Replacing the Fremantle Traffic Bridge will create 1,500 jobs and will ensure public safety - not just for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, but also boats using the Swan River below,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
The Public Transport Authority will be working closely with Main Roads Western Australia for the completion of a business case for the replacement bridge. Plans for the new Fremantle Traffic Bridge has been expanded to potentially include rail options, which will allow more freight to be transported to Fremantle Port by rail.
This project will also include modern cycling and pedestrian facilities to improve the cycle route between Perth and Fremantle.
“Replacing the Fremantle Traffic Bridge is also an opportunity to examine the opportunities to expand rail access into Fremantle - both for passenger and freight trains.
“With increased rail capacity, the new bridge could unlock the next phase of the expansion of freight on rail and reducing truck movements on metropolitan roads,” Ms Saffioti said.
In addition, the State Government and the City of Fremantle will be undertaking a feasibility study to retain parts of the old bridge.
Construction of the new Fremantle Traffic Bridge is anticipated to commence in 2021-22, with a two-year delivery period.
Replacing the old bridge was listed as a priority initiative in Infrastructure Australia’s recent Infrastructure Priority List.
“It has long been recognised that while the Fremantle Traffic Bridge has served us well for many decades, it needs replacing,” Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk said.
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Source: Government of Western Australia; WA Today; Fremantle Gazette