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The long-awaited return of the Fremantle traffic bridge is set to be complete before the end of the year, with the state government confirming the build is ahead of schedule and also within budget.
The bridge was closed for the build in February and was set to be completed in the first half of 2027.
However, the WA government has now stated that traffic will be back on the new build before the end of the year.
“We’re happy to announce that the new bridge will be opening before Christmas,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
“There’ll be two lanes each way and works will be underway to finish the ramps in and out the bridge.
“There’s also going to be a lot of terracing and landscaping done around this area too, so it’s going to be a place where people can sit and enjoy their beautiful view.”
The cost of the project was updated in the recent state budget, coming in at $596 million in a 50-50 split between the WA and federal governments.
Saffioti added that the closure of the bridge had seen a surge in public transport from the Fremantle area.
“Weekly boardings at Fremantle Station have been up 20 per cent and parking up 30 per cent which show there’s been more people catching public transport, which has helped ease some of those traffic pressures,” she said.
“The overall river crossings have been down by one fifth, so again, it shows that people have modified their behaviour.
“We’ve seen everyone really play their part in making sure that this bridge closure has gone probably smoother than anyone would have expected.
“So thank you to everyone across the community for playing their part in delivering this project.”
Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk acknowledged the impact the project has had on local business and thanked the community for their patience and support.
“It has been hard, particularly around North Fremantle and George Street in East Fremantle,” she said.
“I thank them for their patience and also thank the community who has tried to get behind local Fremantle businesses to ensure that they can keep the doors open and keep thriving,
“It’ll be so good to see the bridge now open for the summer trading period.”
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