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To the outsider, works happening on the Malcolm Street bridge leading into the western end of St George’s Terrace seem like a simple upgrade to the traffic barriers.
But the project has proven so tricky for Main Roads WA that it will have taken longer to complete than the entire $596 million Fremantle traffic bridge replacement.
The $1.3 million project started in February 2024, forcing the closure of the right-hand lane on Malcolm Street to traffic.
Main Roads is upgrading and lengthening the guardrails on both sides of the bridge but work on the ground has virtually halted for more than a year.
In June 2025, Main Roads assured the public the job would be finished by October that year.
During this masthead’s last inquiry in February Main Roads said it would be completed by April, having resolved “site and design complexities, as well as delays with service relocation works.“
Work stalled on the project again last week when more guardrails started being installed further up Malcolm Street.
A Main Roads spokeswoman said more unforseen issues had arose with the project but they expected the project would be finished by the end of this month.
“Changes needed to be made to the final design to address unforeseen complexities with the site, such as installation of additional posts and railing,” she said.
“The changes to the design are now being implemented and Main Roads anticipates the project will be completed by the end of September.”
The spokeswoman said the changes were made within the existing project budget.
Construction on the Fremantle traffic bridge started in September 2024 with the installation of the bridge pylons.
The old traffic bridge was closed and dismantled in February this year.
The traffic bridge was expected to be finished early next year, but the state government recently announced it was ahead of schedule and would be open for traffic by the end of the year.
Hamish Hastie is WAtoday’s state political reporter and the winner of five WA Media Awards, including the 2023 Beck Prize for best political journalism.Connect via X or email.From our partners
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