The major structures for the new Western Australian Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges project are now in place.
The project will deliver two six-metre-wide cable-stayed bridges over the Swan River, creating a one-kilometre-long river crossing between McCallum Park, Heirisson Island and Point Fraser, east of Perth.
The Matagarup Elders Group (MEG) provided cultural input to inform the design of the bridges themselves as well as the recreational areas, reflecting the significance of the area to Whadjuk Noongar people.
The bridges designs were inspired by the stories of Fanny Balbuk, a prominent Whadjuk woman who lived in Perth during the early years of the Swan River Colony.
The designs feature a curved bridge decking mirroring the movement of the wagyl (rainbow serpent), a koylie (boomerang) pylon symbiosing Whadjuk warriors such as Yagan, and two wanna (digging stick) pylons representing the Noongar women (yorga).
Rita Saffioti, Western Australia Transport Minister, said the bridges will provide some 3000 pedestrians with safer access across the river.
“This new infrastructure makes walking and riding safer and convenient, encouraging people to consider more active transport modes,” she said.
“The new structures will also create new spaces for people to recreate and enjoy, especially on Heirisson Island, which has long been an underutilised natural asset in our city.”
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Construction on the $1.5 billion project began last year, jointly funded by the Federal and Western Australian governments.
With all 16 bridge modules as well as all bridge pylons now in place, works will now turn to completion of the bridge structures.
These will include functional and feature lighting, bridge cabling, public amenities, extensive landscaping and artworks commissioned by four Noongar artists who will create pieces for the areas around the bridges.
The Western Australian government is funding new urban and landscaping design installations at McCallum Park, Heirisson Island and Point Fraser which will create new public spaces, with sculptures, murals, wayfinding, new seating and vegetation.
The landscaping program will include 90,000 shrubs together with 200 new trees on McCallum Park, 350 new trees on Heirisson Island, and 140 new trees on Point Fraser.
Roger Cook, Western Australian Premier, said the new bridges will deliver a faster, safer trip to the city for pedestrians and cyclists.
“It’s part of our significant investment into Perth CBD, transforming our city into a modern and vibrant destination for Western Australians and for visitors from across the world,” he said.