Fremantle Bridge Closure Passes First Major Commuter Test
The much-anticipated closure of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge has passed its first significant challenge, with Monday morning commuters experiencing a surprisingly smooth journey despite the start of a 12-month shutdown period. Drivers who had braced for traffic chaos found their peak-hour travels along Perth's major highways to be relatively normal, defying early concerns about unbearable disruption.
Peak Hour Drive Reveals Minimal Delays
PerthNow conducted a peak-hour test drive from South Fremantle to North Fremantle to assess traffic conditions during the bridge closure's first weekday. The journey took only a few minutes longer than it would have when the ageing bridge was operational, with the 1.3-kilometre trip from Ampol Fremantle East to John Street completing in just 11.5 minutes. This was significantly quicker than the feared 30-minute delays that had concerned local residents and businesses.
Traffic flow remained unexpectedly smooth on the second day of the bridge shutdown, which coincided with the return of school traffic. While some congestion was noted on Canning Highway around 8am as vehicles queued to turn right onto Stirling Bridge, overall conditions were manageable. The Kwinana Freeway near Canning Bridge was busy but maintained steady movement throughout the morning peak period.
Preparation Measures Appear Effective
Early indications suggest that preparation measures implemented by Main Roads WA may have helped mitigate potential traffic problems. Digital screens along Canning Highway displayed warnings about changed traffic conditions and suggested alternative routes, which many drivers appear to have heeded. Among the significant changes implemented were modifications to 20 intersections and the deployment of two on-site traffic accident response teams.
Public transport options were enhanced to encourage commuters to avoid driving. These improvements included allowing bicycles on peak-time trains between Fremantle and North Fremantle stations, additional parking at Fremantle Station, extra services, and the introduction of a fare-free zone along sections of South Terrace.
Local Government Response and Ongoing Monitoring
Despite the positive early results, some concerns remain about the long-term impact of the bridge closure. East Fremantle Council had expressed scepticism last year about whether the State Government had adequately prepared for the shutdown, particularly regarding walking and cycling infrastructure. While improved pathways leading onto Stirling Bridge have addressed some of these concerns, Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver has flagged the possibility of additional interventions as issues arise.
"One of the things that we've asked State Government for, that we think is absolutely reasonable, is to kind of let us deal with things as they pop up quickly," Mayor Lawver explained. "So if we need to do local road interventions or build out some bicycle infrastructure on roads, or anything like that."
While it's still early in the 12-month closure period, the initial traffic patterns suggest that careful planning and effective communication may have helped avoid the worst-case scenarios that many had feared. Commuters and local businesses will continue to monitor the situation as the bridge replacement project progresses.
