Tens of thousands of people have descended on Fremantle’s new Walyalup Bridge, making the most of the sunshine to celebrate the opening of the highly-anticipated river crossing.
With blue skies and plenty of excitement about, families, cyclists and locals took to the bridge for the first time, soaking in the rare chance to walk across a bridge before it opens to traffic on Sunday afternoon.
The opening, which was originally scheduled for February, will restore the connection to the port city before the busy summer and school holiday period.
The $596 million project, which was originally given a price tag of $430 million, replaced the old timber Fremantle Traffic Bridge that had been in place for the last 86 years before it closure of February 1.
The new bridge as two traffic lanes in each direction and shared paths up to 4m on each side, with the design aiming to make it safer for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to get around Fremantle.
Acting Premier and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti described the project as a “once-in-a-generation piece of infrastructure” with the early completion being an “incredible achievement” for everyone involved.
“From motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to the ferries and boats below, this new bridge will make the journey safer and smoother for everyone,” she said.
The bridge is named after the traditional Whadjuk Noongar name for Fremantle, Walyalup Bridge is Australia’s first and only extradosed bridge, combining cantilever and cable-stay engineering.
Its design also includes features parts from the 1939 bridge, which was given a 40-year design life, including the brass lantern orbs and wooden piles, alongside public art, landscaping and interpretive signage.
The bridge will also have a new lighting program.
“We’re finalising the dynamic lighting over the next few weeks, so we’ll continue to see some minor works,” Ms Saffioti said.
“But as we said, the majority of the works are done.”
Federal Member for Fremantle Josh Wilson said the bridge was the most significant investment in new infrastructure in Fremantle in his lifetime.
“Walyalup Bridge is a brilliant addition to our working port, with a name and design that shape Fremantle’s future by respecting its deep cultural and industrial heritage,” he said.
The project created about 1400 jobs and invested more than $13million in 34 Aboriginal-owned businesses.
Finishing works and lighting tests will continue in the coming weeks.
Transperth has also introduced four new bus routes, including route 996, which will travel across the bridge, which aims to improve the connection between Fremantle, Claremont and Stirling.
