Residents in North Fremantle are demanding urgent action from local authorities as the impending 12-month closure of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge raises major concerns over safety and disruptive rat-running through their suburb.
Petition Calls for Traffic Restrictions
The State Government confirmed this week that the vital bridge, which carries approximately 24,000 vehicles each day, will shut down from February 1. In anticipation of the chaos, North Fremantle locals have formally asked the City of Fremantle to restrict vehicle movements in their area.
A petition presented at the city's meeting on November 26 calls for measures like making Pearse Street left-turn only onto Tydeman Road or converting it into a cul-de-sac. Resident Wesley Harvey argued these steps would prevent rat-running, ease congestion, and protect people living in, walking through, and cycling in the neighbourhood.
Harvey pointed to the temporary closure of Pearse Street after a fire at Albert Hall as proof of concept. "Traffic volumes dropped significantly. Cycling and walking felt safer, and the street regained a residential character," he told the meeting.
Safety Fears and Community Impact
Harvey expressed scepticism about official Main Roads WA crash data, which recorded 14 incidents at the Pearse Street and Tydeman Road intersection between 2020 and 2024. He claimed residents actually witness accidents there every four to six weeks, with many going unreported.
Newly elected North Ward Councillor Melanie Clark said she has been aware of rat-running problems in North Fremantle "for decades." She highlighted the severe personal impact, revealing one family had already withdrawn their children from weekend sport because they often cannot get out of their driveway due to traffic.
"These are residential streets, and the increased cut-through traffic threatens safety, amenity, and liveability," Harvey emphasised.
Seeking Solutions and Supporting Business
The community is pushing for a multi-faceted approach during the closure. A separate petition with over 1680 signatures was tabled in State Parliament on Tuesday, calling for immediate safety upgrades for walking and cycling. Requests include fixing potholes, installing a safety barrier on Stirling Bridge, and expanding 40km/h zones.
"People want safer options to walk, wheel or ride now, not after the bridge closes and chaos ensues, or when someone is hurt," said Jean Paul Horre from the Fremantle Bicycle Users Group.
Councillor Clark, who recently met with Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk to discuss the issue, stressed that any plan must balance safety with supporting local commerce. "We must also ensure people can reach our small businesses, particularly in North Fremantle," she said. She advocated for free public transport and restricting freight movement during peak hours.
Meanwhile, the Town of East Fremantle has classified the bridge closure as an "extreme risk" on its official register. It has also postponed resurfacing works on Riverside Road after the sole bidding contractor said it could not complete the job before the bridge shuts down.
