The McGowan Government Injects $60 Million into the New Swan River Bridge as Part of WA Recovery Plan

As part of the WA Recovery Plan, the McGowan Government will build a new iconic bridge across the Swan River, taking pedestrians and cyclists off the existing Causeway bridge.

A further $60 million has been injected into additional cycling infrastructure, continuing an unprecedented investment in the area by the McGowan Government.

The feature project is a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge to be constructed west to the heritage-listed Causeway bridge, across the Swan River.

The new river crossing will provide a safer connection from the Perth CBD to Victoria Park and beyond, for people walking and riding.

It’s estimated the new bridge will cost around $50 million, with the concept released today following initial consultation with the Whadjuk working group. The consultation will continue, to ensure the bridge showcases the local Aboriginal heritage and meets environmental needs.

The design of the structural elements of the bridges derives inspiration from the stories of Fanny Balbuk and Yagan – two key figures associated with Heirisson Island.

Final design and planning will continue, with tenders to be released in 2021. Main Roads will enter into an alliance arrangement, ensuring work is completed by local Western Australian companies, with the steel fabricated locally using WA’s expertise.

Currently, more than 1,400 cyclists and 1,900 pedestrians funnel through the two-metre-wide Causeway path each day, equating to 500,000 bike trips a year.

The new path will be at least 6 metres wide, with dedicated cycle and pedestrian lanes. It will be comprised of two river crossings – measuring 250 metres on the Victoria Park side and 140 metres on the City of Perth side – connected by a 270-metre path through Heirisson Island. It will also have around 2.8 metres more clearance over the river than The Causeway. The pylons in the Swan River will be between 35 and 40 metres high.

In addition to the new cycling and pedestrian bridge over the Swan River, a further $10 million has been funded for other cycling projects, including:

• $3 million to deliver the Soldiers Road Shared Path, connecting Mundijong to the rapidly developing Byford Town Centre;
• $2 million to design and construct a north-south bicycle route along Bennett Street in East Perth, connecting Riverside Drive to Royal Street;
• $2 million to deliver an east-west bicycle route along Moore, Wittenoom and Nile Streets in Perth and East Perth, helping to connect Barrack Street Bridge to Matagarup Bridge;
• $1.5 million to deliver path and lighting upgrades along the existing shared path that connects Waterbank Perth to the Matagarup Bridge;
• $1.5 million to improve safety and connectivity around RAC Arena.

Source: Media Statements