Fremantle Bridge to open ahead of schedule on November 1

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 12:00 · Archive

Perth's new Fremantle Bridge will open on November 1, nine months ahead of original expectations.

Fremantle's new traffic bridge across the Swan River will open to the public on November 1, nine months earlier than originally scheduled. The old bridge closed on February 1 and was initially expected to remain closed for up to 12 months, with replacement work earmarked for completion in the first half of 2027. A community celebration will precede the opening to traffic later that evening, with residents among the first to walk across the bridge.

Transport and Major Infrastructure Minister Rita Saffioti said the new bridge would relieve pressure on the surrounding road network. 'Delivering the new bridge months ahead of schedule is a massive achievement, thanks to the strong collaboration and innovation of the project team,' she said. The accelerated delivery has come at significant cost: the joint State and Federal Government project is now estimated to cost $596 million, up from $430 million and more than double the initial $280 million estimate in 2022.

Soaring material costs and design changes have contributed to the increase. The new bridge will become Australia's first extradosed bridge, combining elements of cantilever and cable-stayed construction to create a safer navigation channel for river users. The crossing will retain a link to its past, with four rows of timber from the original 1939 bridge preserved at the northern end.

How it is being reported

• Fremantle Bridge: Perth bridge set to open ahead of schedule on November 1Fremantle’s long-awaited new traffic bridge will bring an early end to months of commuter disruption and restore a critical link to the port city.Perth Now · 12 Oct, 11:28
• Fremantle Bridge: Perth bridge set to open ahead of schedule on November 1Fremantle’s long-awaited new traffic bridge will bring an early end to months of commuter disruption and restore a critical link to the port city.The West Australian · 12 Oct, 11:28

In this story: Fremantle Bridge · Swan River · Rita Saffioti · Perth · Western Australia

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