Works are progressing on the Perth Kids’ Bridge, with the 11 walkway segments making up the bridge now lifted into place.

Five segments were installed over the weekend, with six installed over the Easter long weekend, creating the new three-metre wide, 217-metre long bridge.

Now that the structure is in place, works will commence to weld the segments together, pour the concrete walkway and paint the inside of the bridge structure in its iconic bright colours.

Programmable and coloured LED feature lighting will be installed on the outside of the bridge and a sensor speaker system with the ability to play programmed acoustics will also be fitted.

The 11 segments were manufactured in Henderson by local company Civmec, using 300 tonnes of locally fabricated steel and employing 40 people.

Premier Mark McGowan said sick children and their families, along with staff at Perth Children’s Hospital and the QEII Medical Centre, will benefit greatly once the bridge is complete, with much safer, easier access to Kings Park.

Health Minister Roger Cook said the bridge will deliver vital benefits for the families who need to use these facilities, with clinicians noting outdoor visits have a positive effect for the overall wellbeing of families.

“Staff and the wider community will also benefit from connection of the structure to existing local path networks in the area, and the ability to use Kings Park for fitness, lifestyle and work breaks,” Minister Cook said.

Artist’s impression of the completed bridge, credit: Main Roads Western Australia.

The bridge was made possible with a $6.3 million contribution from the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation Chairman, the Hon Ian Campbell, commented: “We know that being close to nature plays an important part in the healing process. The Kids’ Bridge will give sick children and their families the opportunity to escape the rigours of their hospital journey and benefit from the healing nature of Kings Park.”

“To us, the Kids’ Bridge is far more than just a piece of infrastructure. It will provide many therapeutic benefits for patients and their families – from physiotherapy to mental health, to the proven health benefits of being connected to nature,” he said.

“The Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation is proud to fund the Kids’ Bridge to help children get well and stay well for generations to come. The bridge has been made possible through the generosity and enthusiastic support of our donors.”

“At its inception over ten years ago we were able to secure the funds required very quickly to turn this dream into a reality. These funds are in addition to the extensive funding we make available to the Perth Children’s Hospital, currently running at in excess of $8 million per year.”

Mr Campbell added: “We look forward to the Kids’ Bridge being widely used by visitors and staff throughout the QEII Medical Centre as it takes its place as an iconic part of the WA health landscape.”

Construction of the Kids’ Bridge is scheduled for completion later this year.