Builders shortlisted for Swan River bridge

The state government has shortlisted two consortia, led by local companies Decmil Group and Civmec, for the contract to build a $50 million bridge across the Swan River.

The new, six-metre-wide bridge is aimed at improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists currently using the narrow path on the existing Causeway bridge.

A construction contract will be awarded to one of the two bidders late in the year.

Osborne Park-based Decmil is leading the Matagarup Heirisson Alliance, which also includes Subiaco business SRG Global and UK-headquartered Arup.

Meanwhile, the Civmec alliance includes Sydney-headquartered WSP and Queensland's Seymore Whyte.

The contracted group will begin construction works in mid-2022.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the project would support local jobs and bring more people into the CBD.

“More than 3,300 cyclists and pedestrians use the current Causeway bridge every day and it’s long been recognised as being toon narrow to accommodate this daily demand,” she said.

“This project builds on the other 50 cycling projects we have under way across the state to fill gaps in the cycling network.”

Other cycling projects include the $3 million Soldiers Road shared path, connecting Mundijong to the Byford town centre, and the $2 million east-west bicycle route in Perth to connect Barrack Street Bridge to Matagarup Bridge.

The Swan River project is jointly funded by the federal and state governments, each contributing $25 million.

Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher said supporting local infrastructure projects was a vital part of the federal government’s COVID-19 response.

He said the new bridge would become a significant tourist attraction while offering people with safer access to the Swan River foreshore.

The Main Roads Western Australia-led project was first announced in August last year, as part of the state government’s $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan.