20 August 2020
Alliance proposals to develop, design and build the new Swan River Crossing are being taken by Main Roads WA.
Worth $230 million, the project will replace the Fremantle Traffic Bridge with two additional crossings to meet upcoming needs for road, rail, walking, cycling and boating.
Main Roads is seeking an alliance contract that will focus on heritage and architectural feedback received through ongoing community consultation.
Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the project was one of a number of major Western Australian transport projects to have procurement fast-tracked.
“Procurement for the project has been brought forward six months earlier than initially scheduled, to support the WA economy and local jobs during the road out of COVID-19,” Saffioti said.
“Community consultation is now underway and will inform the project’s development and design to ensure we reach the best possible outcome for this significant infrastructure in Fremantle.”
The project is being assessed by the independent State Design Review Panel with the contract anticipated to be awarded in early 2021.
“This project will also include new and improved pedestrian and cyclist’s links boosting our Principal Shared Path network, linking Fremantle to the Perth CBD,” Saffioti said.
State Member for Fremantle Simone McGurk said the new bridge is a fantastic opportunity to replace the 80-year-old structure with something that appeals to the community.
“A lot of work has gone into getting the project to this stage – securing state funding, building a case for federal funding, identifying constraints and mapping out technical requirements,” McGurk said.
“We recognise the importance of this project to the Fremantle locals, so facilitating informed and meaningful community input on the new structure is essential.”
The project is mutually backed by the Federal and Western Australian Governments on a 50:50 basis.
