Mt Henry Bridge: Calls for WA's Longest Bridge Road to Be Added to State Heritage List
The iconic Mt Henry Bridge has been formally recognised as a place of major cultural heritage significance, with heritage assessors describing it as a "rare" and "innovative" infrastructure project that should be included in the State Register of Heritage places.
Historical Significance and Design Features
The bridge was first opened in 1982, with a second parallel bridge added in 2007. It is considered in the heritage report as a "vital component of the Kwinana Freeway" and is valued for its design, including the cantilevered pedestrian walkways and cycleways under the bridge deck on each side, which separate vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
Mt Henry Bridge is described as "simple and elegant" in form, making a "prominent contribution" to the Perth metropolitan area and the Canning River. It is primarily located in the City of South Perth, but a small section extends into the City of Melville.
Engineering and Infrastructure Details
The nine-span pre-stressed concrete bridge carries:
- Six lanes of traffic
- Two rail lines
- Dedicated pedestrian and cycling paths
- Major utility services
It carries the Kwinana Freeway and Mandurah railway line over the Canning River between the Mt Henry Peninsula, Salter Point, and the suburb of Mt Pleasant.
Cultural and Historical Context
According to the Heritage Council of WA, the bridge is likely to be of State cultural heritage significance for its "association with the growth of the Perth metropolitan area" in the latter part of the 20th century. It reflects Perth's post-war growth and engineering ambitions, forming part of the State Government's major infrastructure push in the decades after World War II, designed to support a rapidly expanding population and industrial base.
Rarity and Innovation
Heritage assessors found Mt Henry Bridge 1 was particularly rare. It was the very last major bridge designed in-house by engineers from the Main Roads Department and is recognised for its innovative design, which ensures the safety of pedestrians and cyclists while minimising its impact on the landscape.
Second Bridge and Recognition
Construction of the second bridge, Mt Henry Bridge 2, began in 2005 as part of the widening of the Kwinana Freeway and to accommodate the Mandurah railway line. The project received industry recognition, including:
- The 2006 National Master Builders Association of WA Award for Excellence in Construction
- A 2007 Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia Public Domain Commendation for Bridges
It opened to traffic in January 2006, with rail services starting in late 2007. Despite overlapping, the two bridges do not touch and were intended to read visually as one structure.
Current Condition and Public Consultation
The structure is reported to be in good operational condition and is well maintained as a State infrastructure asset. Public comment on the proposed registration closes on March 27, allowing community input on this significant heritage decision.
