Two consortia have been shortlisted and invited to submit detailed proposals for the design and construction of a new iconic bridge that will cross the Swan River and connect Perth’s CBD to Victoria Park.
The shortlisted consortia are made up of the following companies:
- Civmec SWC WSP (Civmec / Seymour Whyte / WSP); and
- Matagarup Heirisson Alliance (Decmil / Arup / SRG).
An Alliance contract is anticipated to be awarded in late 2021, with construction expected to commence in mid-2022.
The new bridge will be six metres wide, with dedicated pedestrian and cyclist lanes providing safer access for the more than 1,400 cyclists and 1,900 pedestrians who use the path on the existing Causeway Bridge daily.
The Western Australian Government has advised that development work is underway to inform the design for the Alliance, including early engagement with key stakeholders including Aboriginal representatives, recreational and commercial river users, local businesses, and key local government agencies.
The community will soon start to see some activity on the Swan River and the surrounding land, where detailed site assessments will be undertaken. This will include the use of a barge on the Swan River in the project area for several months this year.
The project is jointly funded by the Federal Government and Western Australian Government through the Perth City Deal. The Australian Government has committed $25 million and the State Government $25 million.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said Perth will be provided with a significant tourist attraction that will also offer local communities safer access to their city via the southern Swan River foreshore.
“Supporting local infrastructure projects is vital to our COVID-19 response, and the economic measures put in place to support local and Aboriginal businesses will help secure the employment of workers who were displaced during this pandemic,” he said.
WA Transport Minister, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, also commented: “More than 3,300 cyclists and pedestrians use the current Causeway Bridge every day and it’s long been recognised as being too narrow to accommodate this daily demand.”
“This project builds on the other 50 cycling projects we have underway across the State to fill gaps in the cycling network,” she said.
“I can’t wait to see this iconic new structure across the Swan River take shape.”
