New Fremantle Traffic Bridge Set to Reconnect the City on 1 November

Fremantle's new traffic bridge is set to open on 1 November, marking the completion of one of the city's most significant infrastructure investments in decades.

The project replaces the ageing timber bridge that served as a key river crossing for generations, delivering a modern piece of infrastructure that will strengthen connections between Fremantle, North Fremantle and Perth's western suburbs while supporting future economic growth.

The opening marks the culmination of an intensive construction program that has seen the new bridge delivered in just nine months following the closure of the old structure in February. Originally expected to reopen in 2027, the crossing will welcome vehicles several months earlier than anticipated, restoring a vital route for residents, businesses, freight operators and visitors.

Restoring this important connection ahead of the summer holiday season is expected to provide a timely boost for local businesses, making it easier for people to access Fremantle's retail, hospitality and tourism precincts during one of the city's busiest trading periods. The removal of temporary traffic arrangements associated with the bridge closure will also improve movement throughout the surrounding road network.

The new crossing is Australia's first extradosed bridge, a design that combines the efficiency of a conventional bridge with the visual impact and structural advantages of cable-supported construction. The result is a striking new landmark that reflects Fremantle's status as a city shaped by innovation, industry and its connection to the water.

Beyond carrying traffic, the bridge has been designed to improve how people experience and move through the area. Wider shared paths will create safer and more comfortable connections for pedestrians and cyclists, while increased navigational clearances will improve access and safety for river users. The project also establishes a more prominent and welcoming arrival point for people entering Fremantle from the north.

The bridge opening will be celebrated with a community event on 1 November, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to walk across the new structure before traffic begins using the crossing later that day. Landscaping, public realm improvements and a feature lighting program will continue following the opening, further enhancing the bridge's role as a prominent landmark.

As one of the largest projects delivered in Fremantle in recent decades, the new bridge represents more than a transport upgrade. It is a long-term investment in the city's accessibility, liveability and economic future, creating a modern gateway that will support the movement of people and goods while helping to unlock new opportunities for growth across Fremantle for generations to come.