Fremantle Traffic Bridge Closure Sparks Council Backlash
The Town of East Fremantle council has launched a stern critique against the State Government, claiming insufficient preparation for the impending closure of the Fremantle traffic bridge. The vital crossing is scheduled to shut down in February 2026 for approximately 12 months while a new replacement bridge is constructed.
Council's Urgent Demands for Safety and Transport
At a council meeting held on November 18, members voted unanimously in favour of a motion put forward by newly elected councillor Rebecca Cutter. The motion calls for immediate action from the Department of Transport and Main Roads WA to mitigate the expected disruption.
The council's specific demands include:
- Safer walking and cycling routes across the Stirling Highway bridge.
- Pre-loaded SmartRiders to incentivise public transport use.
- A permanent signalised crossing on Canning Highway near Dalgety Street and Windsor Road.
Furthermore, the council is pushing for significant speed limit reductions: a 40km/h limit across most of the town, and a stricter 30km/h limit in the town centre, on George Street, and near local schools.
Community Concerns and Political Accountability
With an estimated 24,000 vehicles using the bridge daily, the closure is anticipated to cause severe traffic congestion, gridlocking surrounding roads. Councillor Cutter revealed that community survey feedback indicated residents are willing to walk or cycle during the closure but are deeply concerned about sharing the road with heavy traffic without dedicated, safe routes.
"Despite this feedback, from what I can see the proposed measures to reduce the congestion don't seem to adequately address those safety concerns," Cr Cutter stated, adding that her proposals would deliver both short-term and long-term benefits for the community.
Deputy Mayor Lucinda Maywood echoed these concerns, noting rising anxiety among residents about the closure's impact on their daily lives. Mayor Tony Natale expressed frustration, stating "East Fremantle has been forgotten in this project," highlighting that while drop-in sessions were scheduled for neighbouring councils, East Fremantle was notably absent from the list.
CEO Jonathan Throssell indicated the town was doing what it could to disseminate information from the bridges alliance but felt limited in its capacity. The State Government's current mitigation measures include increased train and bus services, additional parking, and free public transport zones, but the local council insists it's not enough to prevent the impending chaos.
