The state government is assessing the construction of an extra rail link over the Swan River, as part of a new Fremantle traffic bridge, after committing to the $230 million project.
The state government is assessing the construction of an extra rail link over the Swan River, as part of a new Fremantle traffic bridge, after committing to the $230 million project.
The 80-year old bridge, which runs over the river at Fremantle Harbour and was originally built as a temporary structure, will be replaced to increase capacity and ensure the safety of its users.
The state government said its next budget would include funding for the bridge, effectively matching the $115 million promised by both major federal parties to replace the bridge.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced in late March the bridge project would receive $115 million in funding, and last week Labor also committed $115 million to replace it.
Infrastructure Australia listed the bridge replacement as a national priority on its 2019 Infrastructure Priority List in February. It said the bridge was at the end of its useable life and was at risk of closure.
State Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the new bridge would put an end to the expensive patch-ups on the old structure, which had served the area well for 80 years but was 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,” Ms Saffioti said.
Ms Saffioti said she was expecting an increase in passenger demand and more trains as Metronet expanded, and the government needed to plan for the river crossing to accommodate passenger and freight trains.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
The government said the Public Transport Authority of WA had been working closely with Main Roads Western Australia on the business case for the replacement bridge, which had been broadened to consider rail options.
The new bridge will include cycling and pedestrian paths, enabling people to ride more easily between Perth and Fremantle.
The state government said it had met with the City of Fremantle to discuss the feasibility of retaining parts of the old bridge for community use, subject to the design of the new structure and engineering.
Construction of the bridge will start in 2021-22 and take about two years to complete, according to the state government.
