EOI's open for new Causeway Bridge construction

The existing Herrison Island causeway. Photo by Nathan Hurst on Unsplash

Contractors are being asked to express their interest to build the new Causeway pedestrian and cyclist bridge across the Swan River.

Project works will include building two bridge sections, one connecting the City of Perth to Heirisson Island at 140 metres long and the other connecting from the island to the Town of Victoria park at 250 metres long.

The $50 million project was a key feature in the Perth City Deal, to promote active transport across the municipality.

Consultation with key stakeholders such as representatives from Aboriginal Groups has shaped the bridge design which will include two feature pylons reaching 35 to 40 metres high.

Western Australian Minister for Transport and Planning, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, said the current Causeway Bridge was one of the busiest connections into central Perth but the current path was too narrow to accommodate demand from people walking, running and riding.

“The new Causeway Bridge will become another iconic structure across the Swan River, joining the WA-built Matagarup Bridge as another major attraction,” Saffioti said.

“The bridge and associated paths will see an investment of $50 million and support 350 jobs, assisting the State’s post-COVID recovery.”

State Member for Perth, John Carey MLA, said the bridge would be a significant future tourism asset while delivering much needed cycling and walking infrastructure between Perth’s CBD and Victoria Park.

“Great liveable cities around the world encourage cycling and walking: it encourages healthier communities, creates activated streets and builds vibrant neighbourhoods,” Carey said.

“A signature project of the Perth CBD Transport Plan is a pedestrian and cyclist bridge to be constructed alongside the heritage-listed Causeway bridges across the Swan River – a major bottleneck for CBD commuters.”

Currently 500,000 bike trips are taken on the existing two-metre-wide causeway yearly.

Construction is expected to start in 2022, with the contract to be awarded later this year.

The project is jointly funded with the Federal and Western Australian Governments splitting the cost.