Design phase begins for Swan River Crossings Project

The next phase of community consultation for the Swan River Crossings Project is now underway.

Fremantle residents, businesses and the wider community are invited to take part in Community Design Forums to provide input into bridge aesthetics, walking and cycling connections, heritage interpretation and urban landscaping.

The new Swan River Crossings Project, which includes a new two-track rail bridge, a new road bridge, as well as new cycling and walking paths, will be constructed between the existing Fremantle Traffic Bridge and current rail bridge.

Almost 1,000 people completed an online survey on the bridge alignment options during extensive community consultation earlier this year, with many respondents keen to be involved in the design discussions as the project develops. 

A design inspiration document and online survey has been developed to prompt conversation and ideas from community and stakeholders regarding the aesthetics for the project and the importance of the remnant structure.

Consultation has already commenced with the establishment of an Elders Advisory Group to help understand the significance of the area to the Whadjuk people and to see how themes and stories could be interpreted throughout the bridge design.

The Swan River Crossings Project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments, each contributing $115 million.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP:

“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 70. A further 44 are expected to start construction 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 economic recovery.”

Comments attributable to Western Australian Transport Minister, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA:

“This is another great opportunity for local community members to provide input into one of the most significant and complex projects being undertaken in Fremantle.

“More than 1,000 community members had their say on the preferred alignment of the bridge and I look forward to hearing from the community during this next phase of design and development, before we begin early works later this year.

“At 83-years-old the current Fremantle Traffic Bridge is past its used by date and needs to be replaced.

“The new 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.”

Comments attributable to Senator for Western Australia, Senator Slade Brockman:

“The Swan River Crossings Project will replace the Fremantle Traffic Bridge, upgrade freight and passenger rail capacity.

“It will also improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure across the Swan River at Fremantle, while increasing marine safety and navigational clearances for boats.

“I look forward to early works getting underway later this year, with major construction anticipated to begin in early 2022.”

Comments attributable to Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:

“This consultation phase is a fantastic opportunity for the local community to have their say on what they think the redeveloped bridge should look like.

“The bridge is a major new project that will create local jobs and I encourage everyone interested to get involved and help shape it.”