Walyalup Bridge to open in Fremantle ahead of schedule

The new Fremantle Traffic Bridge in Western Australia, officially named Walyalup Bridge, is scheduled to open on November 1. The $596 million project is opening three months ahead of schedule, following the closure of the previous bridge in February.

To mark the occasion, a community celebration will be held from 9 am to 1 pm, allowing residents to walk across the bridge before it opens to vehicular traffic later that evening. The event will feature family-friendly entertainment and food at a festival hub located beneath the bridge on Beach Street.

As Australia’s first extradosed bridge, the structure combines cantilevers and cable-stay supports. It features two lanes of traffic in each direction, along with wider shared paths for pedestrians and cyclists. The design incorporates heritage and culture through public art, lighting, and signage to reflect the spiritual significance of the Swan River landscape.

To facilitate access, a free shuttle bus will run every five minutes between Fremantle Station and the bridge. Organizers are encouraging the use of public transport, walking, or cycling, as no event parking will be available.