The $100 million Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges project is taking shape with fabrication now underway at Civmec’s Henderson Facility.

The new pedestrian and cycling bridges will be located just west of the Causeway Bridge, and will see two iconic six-metre-wide cable-stayed bridges linking the Victoria Park foreshore at McCallum Park with Heirisson Island and Perth’s CBD at Point Fraser.

The new bridges will alleviate the growing pressure on the paths of the existing Causeway Bridge, which are used by more than 3,000 cyclists and pedestrians every day.

Works on site have been ramping up in recent months with ground improvement and piling works being undertaken at McCallum Park, Heirisson Island, and Point Fraser in preparation for marine construction to commence this month.

WA Premier Roger Cook said: “The Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges will be a major landmark in Perth that will attract more people riding and walking to the CBD.

“The new bridges are magnificent structures, and importantly the design draws inspiration from the rich Noongar culture and heritage of the area,” said Cook.

A temporary loadout facility (similar to a jetty) is currently being built to transport bridge segments and materials onto vessels and barges.

The deck is being manufactured in 22 to 42 metre segments, and the pylons are 47 to 54 metres long.

All bridge segments will be transported by road to the McCallum Park construction site.

The new bridges were designed in consultation with the Matagarup Elders Group (MEG), and draw inspiration from the significance of the area to the Noongar people.

Two of the three pylons supporting the cable-stayed bridges are being constructed in the shape of wannas (digging sticks) while the third is the shape of a koylie (boomerang).

The s-shaped curves of the bridge’s design represent the movement of the Wagyl (rainbow serpent).

The project will see major improvements to safety, connectivity, and amenity for path users commuting to work, education, local businesses as well as tourists.

The Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges project is being jointly funded by the Australian Government ($50 million) and the Western Australian Government ($50 million).

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said: “We know how constrained the existing pedestrian and cycling path on the Causeway Bridge is, and this project will deliver safer and easier access to our CBD. As we’ve seen with Matagarup Bridge, these bridges become a major meeting point for our families, pedestrians, and cyclists, whilst also providing a tourism experience.”