Comunity update

Prepare for road network changes to keep Fremantle moving during bridge closure

Construction of the new Fremantle Traffic Bridge is making strong progress, with piling now complete and concrete pile caps installed on top of the piles on the southern side of the bridge.

While much of the new bridge can be constructed while the existing crossing is open, it will be necessary to close the bridge to complete the project. This is because the new Fremantle Traffic Bridge is being constructed on the same alignment as the current bridge.

Based on the current timetable, closure of the bridge for up to 12 months is anticipated to begin in early 2026.

This timing reflects feedback from local business representatives and avoids any disruption to road users, businesses and visitors to Fremantle during the busy Christmas period.

Main Roads has undertaken a thorough analysis to determine how best to manage the road network during the closure.

Detailed investigations of the network have involved surveying over 100 intersections. A series of temporary road modifications has been discussed with State and Local Government agencies, including Fremantle Ports, Department of Transport, emergency services, key interest groups and other stakeholders to reduce the impacts of the closure on the travelling public and ensure essential services are able to operate.

Feedback from local schools, business and community groups has also been considered and incorporated where possible.

Modelling shows that the closure of the bridge will have a significant impact on the road network with commuters likely to experience lengthy delays. As a result, some temporary network modifications are essential to keep traffic moving during the closure. We recognise the changes may cause inconvenience and appreciate the community’s patience during the closure period.

What are the network changes?

The changes include temporary modifications to intersection layouts and extended turning pockets to assist in reducing congestion and keep Stirling Highway moving.

Key locations include the intersections of:

• Stirling Highway and Tydeman Road
• Stirling Highway and Canning Highway
• Stirling Highway and Marmion Street.

Various intersections on High Street west of the Stirling Highway roundabout will also be modified to reduce congestion and cater for additional east-west traffic.

All road modifications are shown on the map below. More details are available on the project website and via our Bridge Closure Fact Sheet.

GETTING IN AND OUT OF FREMANTLE

Main Roads understands the changes to the road network will impact the way people travel to and from Fremantle.

Temporarily prohibiting east and west through traffic on Canning Highway will be critical to reduce congestion on Stirling Highway and means alternative routes will need to be utilised.

A range of upgrades and changes to alternative east-west routes such as Marmion Street and High Street are planned to provide viable alternative access and support the movement of people in and out of Fremantle.