New Fremantle Traffic Bridge to open ahead of schedule
The new bridge is set to open before the end of the year, months ahead of schedule, with locals and businesses saying the impact has been better than expected.
Fremantle's new Traffic Bridge is set to open before the year's end, months earlier than initially planned. The 86-year-old wooden bridge was taken down in February to make way for the new structure, which retains the same number of traffic lanes but features wider pedestrian paths and increased clearance for boats. WA Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti expressed pride in the project's rapid progress, noting the concrete deck's completion and the focus on finalizing the bridge, particularly its roads.
The $596 million bridge, initially budgeted at $430 million, is the first extradosed bridge built in Australia, utilizing a unique combination of cantilevers and cable stays. The closure led to various adjustments in the local transport network, including extra train and bus services, additional free parking for SmartRider users, and heightened CCTV monitoring.
While the closure initially impacted local businesses, community support remained strong. Ms Saffioti credited the rail freight subsidy scheme, introduced in 2017, for the increased rail usage, reducing road traffic and benefiting the environment. The exact opening date remains to be announced, but a community celebration is expected before Christmas.
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