The closure of the Fremantle traffic bridge has passed its first major test, with commuters experiencing a relatively normal Monday morning drive along Perth's major highways. A peak-hour drive from South Fremantle to North Fremantle took only a few minutes longer than usual, contrary to fears of severe congestion.
Traffic flow was unexpectedly smooth on the second day and first weekday of the bridge shutdown, which will last up to 12 months while a replacement crossing is constructed. The heaviest traffic was on Canning Highway around 8am, where cars queued to turn right onto Stirling Bridge, but the 1.3km journey from Ampol Fremantle East to John Street took only 11.5 minutes, far quicker than the feared 30 minutes.
Digital screens on Canning Highway advised drivers to take alternative routes and warned of changed traffic conditions. Ahead of the closure, locals feared unbearable disruption, but early indications suggest measures by Main Roads WA, including effective public messaging, have softened the blow.
Changes included modifications to 20 intersections and allocation of two on-site traffic accident response teams. Cars can no longer travel east and west on Canning Highway at the Stirling Highway intersection, and right turns from Stirling Highway north to Canning are banned. Commuters were encouraged to use public transport, with bikes allowed on peak-time trains between Fremantle and North Fremantle stations, more parking at Fremantle Station, additional services, and a fare-free zone on South Terrace.
East Fremantle council had expressed scepticism last year about the State Government's preparation, criticising a lack of focus on walking and cycling options. Some concerns were addressed by improved pathways onto Stirling Bridge, but Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver flagged possible interventions as issues arise, requesting the ability to implement local road changes quickly.
