The Western Australian Government has announced significant changes to the road network around Fremantle in preparation for the planned closure of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge, scheduled for early 2026.
Dylan Anderson
Although the closure is still over a year away, preparatory works for road modifications will begin within the next month. These works follow extensive traffic studies conducted by Main Roads WA to determine the best ways to reduce congestion and maintain smooth traffic flow during the bridge's downtime.
What the Road Network Changes Include
To address expected traffic pressure on Stirling Highway and surrounding areas, temporary intersection modifications will be implemented. These changes are designed to keep traffic moving in and around Fremantle, and are based on a model that has been successfully used during the Armadale train line closure.
In addition to physical changes to intersections, Main Roads will deploy Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and install CCTV cameras at more than 14 key intersections. Incident response and towing services will also be stationed near Stirling Bridge during peak periods to help manage disruptions.
Dylan Anderson
Community Feedback and Engagement
As part of the planning process, the State Government is launching a community survey to gather public feedback. This survey seeks input on further improvements, such as enhancing public transport, and pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, to reduce overall vehicle usage during the bridge closure.
The results of the community survey will help inform the final set of transport measures, which are expected to be announced later in 2025.
Project Milestone: Piling Works Completed
The road network changes coincide with a key milestone in the Fremantle Traffic Bridge replacement project. All 28 bridge piles have now been installed, with concrete pile caps already completed on the southern section of the new bridge.
The new bridge will replace the ageing existing structure and will feature:
- Two lanes in each direction
- Wider paths for cyclists and pedestrians
- Greater clearance for boats and watercraft
Upcoming work includes the construction of bridge towers that will rise 36 metres above the Swan River. This construction approach allows the old bridge to remain open for most of the project timeline, reducing inconvenience for road users.
The final phase will involve a complete closure of the existing bridge for up to 12 months while the new connection is completed.
Stay Informed
Motorists and residents are encouraged to view the planned road modifications and take part in the online community survey by visiting the Main Roads WA website.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Project timelines and plans are subject to change. Please refer to official government sources for the most up-to-date information.
Dylan Anderson
