2024 end date for $100m Causeway bridge

A pedestrian and cyclist bridge over Perth’s Causeway is on track to be finished within two years after an assessment panel’s approval of the $100 million proposal.

The City of Perth Local Development Assessment Panel (DAP) voted to approve Main Roads Western Australia’s plan to build a bridge over Swan River, with a margin of four votes to one, at its meeting today.

It comprises of a six-metre wide bridge, with dedicated pedestrian and cyclist lanes, connecting the Perth CBD with McCallum Park in Victoria Park.

The project is part of the $1.7 billion Perth City Deal and is being delivered by the Causeway Link Alliance on behalf of Main Roads WA.

Alliance member and town planner Niall O Lionaird said ground works on the McCallum Park side of the bridge was expected to start in July next year, with the overall project to be completed in September or late 2024.

DAP member and City of Perth councillor Brent Fleeton was the lone dissenter, voting against the application because it would remove the temporary parking granted for the Point Fraser area.

"I’ve had a lot to do with this site on Point Fraser, I’m concerned that we are losing 90 to 100 car bays," he said.

"I admire the design and all the work, the consultation we’ve been through, I’m not doubting the benefits of the project but I think someone needs to point out (the loss of parking)."

A render of the proposed Causeway bridge. Image: Causeway Link Alliance

The Town of Victoria Park and City of Perth supported the proposal, with the latter saying in its report that the bridge would deliver a range of public benefits.

“(It will deliver) significant improvements to the established pedestrian and cyclist network in the locality, with a focus on user amenity and safety … extensive heritage interpretation works that reflect the cultural heritage significance of the area to the local Whadjuk Noongar people; and an iconic design that is inspired by the historic and cultural context of the area,” the city’s report said.

The alliance said it would continue to engage with Matagarup elders’ group for future designs.

“Through interpretive architectural and landscape design and beautiful public art, this place will showcase Whadjuk Noongar culture to the world,” alliance member Alanna Stern said at the meeting.

The DAP’s approval was conditional on the applicant and Western Australian Planning Commission agreeing on the final set of conditions before any works start.

In April 2021, Planning Minister Rita Saffioti said construction was expected to start by the middle of this year.

The project was delayed when estimated costs doubled but was revived when the state and federal governments committed $25 million each in March, taking the construction costs to $100 million.

A construction contract was awarded to a consortium led by Civmec and including Seymour Whyte Constructions and WSP Australia.