Thousands turn out to be among the first to walk the new Walyalup Bridge

The new Fremantle Traffic Bridge, named Walyalup Bridge, has officially opened.

State government ministers, locals, business owners and media gathered on Saturday morning for the official unveiling of the new bridge, with Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti leading the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Thousands of pedestrians gathered just after 9am to cross the bridge on Sunday morning, and it will be later opened to traffic.

The old Fremantle Traffic Bridge was closed in February, with the new structure originally tipped to open in the first half of 2027. However, fast-tracked construction has enabled it to open early.

The new bridge has the same number of traffic lanes as the old bridge, but has a higher clearance for boats and wider pedestrian lanes. It also updates the old 86-year-old timber framing, with cantilevers and cable stay supports.

The state government said construction had since provided more than 1400 jobs. However with the speed of construction came a hefty price tag, with the original cost of the new bridge jumping from $430 million to $596 million in this year’s state budget.

Saffioti said at the opening on Sunday the project had been worth the effort.

“Opening it ahead of schedule is an incredible achievement for everyone involved, and I congratulate the entire project team for their innovation and commitment to delivering it as quickly as possible,” she said.

“Thank you to the local families, residents, businesses, schools and freight operators who have all played their part to keep the road network moving while we built this spectacular new bridge.”

Throughout the bridge’s construction, some Fremantle businesses said they had felt the sting of the closures.

Cellarbrations on Canning Highway closed after 17 years in business due to losing customers during the building, while other businesses reported a significant decline in profits and foot traffic due to roadworks.

Member for Fremantle Simone McGurk also thanked her constituents for their patience, while Member for Bicton Lisa O’Malley said she acknowledged it had been difficult for some businesses to get through the closure period.

“We know delivering landmark projects like this causes disruption and I can’t thank our community enough for the patience they’ve shown,” O’Malley said.

“Residents and businesses in the Bicton electorate and beyond have played an important part in keeping traffic on our roads moving as smoothly possible. Now it’s time to celebrate this iconic new gateway to Fremantle that will be a part of our community’s story for generations to come.”

Road access to and from Fremantle via Canning Highway will be re-opened now the bridge is up and running, and Beach Street will also be back open to traffic.

Federal Member for Fremantle Josh Wilson said it was important the new bridge had elements of the port city’s long history incorporated into its design.

“Walyalup Bridge is a brilliant addition to our working port, with a name and design that shape Fremantle’s future by respecting its deep cultural and industrial heritage,” he said.

“Our community helped shape this project and showed extraordinary patience through its construction, and it is especially fitting that we can open it early by walking across it together.”

Some of the timber preserved from the original traffic bridge has been used to build a walkway under the new Walyalup structure, and designers have also kept the brass lantern orbs previously used to light the way for drivers in their same spot. They will still be lit every night.