Commuters can expect an early reprieve from traffic pain as the new Fremantle Traffic Bridge looks set to open before the end of the year.
The old traffic bridge was closed on February 1 causing headaches for commuters who were forced to detour via the Stirling Bridge.
It was originally expected to be closed for up to 12 months, with an opening time for the new bridge in the first half of 2027.
But significant progress has accelerated that timeline, with the State Government now estimating it will be open and ready for traffic before the end of the year.
“It is a big win for the community that the new Fremantle traffic bridge is on track to fully open later this year,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said.
“The Fremantle bridge will cut travel time for commuters, create new community spaces, and make the river wider and safer.”
The joint $430 million State and Federal Government project has been in the works since 2019.
Despite the tricky environment of constructing the bridge near a major operating port, it was smooth sailing for the successful demolition of the old timber bridge while towers for the new bridge were constructed at the same time.
Camera IconThe new Fremantle Traffic Bridge is progressing ahead of schedule and will be open before the end of the year. Credit: WA Government
All four supporting towers and the concrete deck of the new bridge are up, with barriers being installed to separate what will soon become a brand new stretch of road wide enough for two lanes in each direction and wider shared paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
It’s set to become Australia’s first extradosed bridge — which combines both cantilevers and cable-stay support — providing a safer navigational channel for commercial and recreational river users.
But the impressive bridge design won’t be without a reminder of its heritage — four rows of timber from the original 1939 construction will be retained on the northern end.
WA Transport and Major Infrastructure Minister Rita Saffioti said it was thanks to the “outstanding efforts of the project team” that this Australian-first bridge design would be open for business ahead of schedule.
“The speed at which the new traffic bridge has emerged on the Fremantle skyline has been remarkable to watch,” she said.
“We knew closing the old bridge was going to be tough, but the local community, businesses, schools, and freight industry have all done their part to avoid major disruptions to the surrounding road network.”
Details of the new opening date and accompanying community event will be announced in coming months.