Fremantle Traffic Bridge 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, businesses 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.
Real time traffic monitoring
Throughout the closure, the road network will be closely monitored in real time by the Main Roads’ Road Network Operations Centre. To achieve this, key improvements include:
Undertaking traffic signal modifications to prioritise key movements, particularly north and south on Stirling Highway.
Installing Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) to provide visibility and early detection, including additional CCTV (cameras) and Bluetooth devices at over 14 intersections.
Working together to help reduce peak time demand
State and Local Government agencies are working together to look at ways to reduce demand on the road network during the closure, particularly during the morning and afternoon peak periods.
Key considerations include:
Local bus routes and train service frequency.
Parking assessment at Fremantle and North Fremantle Train Stations.
Working with community and schools to develop active transport plans.
Determine behaviour change opportunities.
Working with freight industry to determine opportunities outside of peak period operations.
More information about these initiatives will be shared with the community in the coming months.
How you can help
During the lead up to the closure, we strongly encourage road users to examine how and when they travel through the area and take into consideration the following:
Plan Ahead - Allow extra time when travelling through the area
Use Public Transport - Take the train or bus where possible to help reduce congestion
Car Pool - Share a ride with employees, neighbors, or families to reduce road pressure
Walk, Wheel or Ride - Walk, ride, scooter or other personal mobility device
Flexible Working - Look for flexible working arrangements, such as travelling outside of peak times or WFH
Every peak-time car journey that can be avoided or rescheduled outside peak will help keep traffic on the network moving.
Survey
Reducing vehicle numbers on the network is critical in avoiding severe congestion. We invite you to participate in a quick survey to help us determine:
How you currently travel through the area, to and from work, school and other key destinations.
What transport options you might consider during the closure.
What would encourage you to use alternatives such as using public transport, riding a bike, car pooling and walking to and from destinations to help reduce the impact on the road network.
The survey is available at: https://www.mysaytransport.wa.gov.au/fremantle-traffic-bridge-closure-travel
What’s next?
Changes to the road network will start in late May and continue over the next few months in preparation for bridge closure.
The first change involves the extension of the right turn pocket from Stirling Highway southbound to Marmion Street (to travel to Fremantle). Work is scheduled for late May and will be undertaken at night to minimise impacts to journeys.
More information will be provided to local residents and the broader community through various channels, including Roadworks Updates, briefings, notifications and door knocks to advise when these works will be taking place.
We will be continuing our engagement with businesses, schools, freight operators and community organisations to help prepare for bridge closure. Opportunities include business workshops and pop-up displays in various locations in and around Fremantle, which will be communicated in advance.