Joint media statement - Community feedback guides next stage of Swan River Crossings project

Planning and development is continuing on the Swan River Crossings project with a contractor appointed this week to replace the old Fremantle Traffic Bridge.

Laing O'Rourke Australia Construction, Arup Australia and WSP Australia will form an Alliance with Main Roads to guide the project into the next stages of alignment investigation, detailed design and construction.

Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the Morrison Government is providing $115 million towards replacing the existing Fremantle Traffic Bridge.

"Investing in the Swan River Crossing project is a prime example of our $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline delivering for Western Australians," Minister Fletcher said.

"This investment is all about creating local jobs and boosting communities as we recover economically from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Morrison Government has accelerated delivery of our funding so construction on this project can occur sooner."

Western Australian Minister for Transport and Planning, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, said the Fremantle Traffic Bridge was one of the major infrastructure projects brought forward to support the Western Australian economy through COVID-19.

"This is a significant project that has been on the agenda for decades," she said.

"There are ongoing significant maintenance costs with the existing bridge, and a need to replace the current bridge with a new structure.

"The consortium will be working now on the final alignment and design to ensure we can get the best bridge possible, given all of the constraints in the area.

"The project will also include a new dedicated pedestrian and cycling path - this is Stage 3 of the new Perth to Fremantle PSP, with Stage 1 completed, and Stage 2 now underway".

"This is another project that will be delivered to ensure we continue to create jobs as part of our COVID recovery."

Senator for Western Australia Matt O'Sullivan said the project was due to commence construction in late-2021, once all design and alignment investigations are finalised.

"An extensive community consultation program has been underway for the Swan River Crossings Project since August following community feedback on the proposed location of the new bridge," Senator O'Sullivan said.

"More than 300 people took part in the online survey, 150 attended community events and more than a dozen briefings and presentations were delivered to community groups and stakeholders.

"While the preferred alignment initially had a new traffic bridge to the east of the current Fremantle Traffic Bridge, in direct response to community feedback, the alliance team will now further investigate options to build between the existing road and rail bridges before a final location is determined."

State Member for Fremantle Simone McGurk said the new bridge is a great opportunity to replace the 80-year-old structure with something that appeals to the community.

"This project is the largest single investment in Fremantle's future we've seen in decades.

"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," Ms McGurk said.

"We recognise the importance of this project to Fremantle locals, so facilitating informed and meaningful community input on the new structure is essential.

"With the inclusion of an architect lead and heritage consultants in the Alliance, we have the opportunity for heritage interpretation, urban landscape and design in a transport infrastructure project.

"Continuing the momentum of community and stakeholder consultation will be a priority as the alliance team moves through development and design."

The Swan River Crossings project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, with each contributing $115 million.

Transport and Planning Minister's office - 6552 5500