THE railway footbridge between the Fremantle Passenger Terminal and Parry Street is set to be demolished in the next fortnight, a year after it was first closed. 

The Public Transport Authority closed the overpass in July last year due to “known structural risks” which it said may have caused safety issues for tourists and general public using the footbridge. 

Fremantle Ports CEO Jodie Ransom says the Ports has “projects underway” to enable tourist access to Victoria Quay and have “committed” to infrastructure upgrades to facilitate the Port’s tourism.

• The Public Transport Authority says its working with Fremantle Ports on options to get cruise passengers into the city, with the Parry Street overpass soon to be demolished. Photo by Katherine Kraayvanger

“Future planning will be in alignment with the expectations of growth in the cruise industry,” Ms Ransom said.

PTA spokesperson David Hynes did not confirm if or when the bridge would be replaced but says they will be exploring potential options for tourists to travel to Parry Street by foot.

“The PTA is undertaking long-term planning for the area to identify optimal connection points over the rail that will service the community well into the future,” Mr Hynes said. 

There are several alternatives to leave the Passenger Terminal, according to Mr Hynes, which will service Fremantle’s vital cruise tourism industry while the footbridge is out of action. 

“Fremantle Ports supplies a free shuttle bus service between the passenger terminal and Fremantle town centre or Fremantle station on days when there are cruise ships berthed.” 

“If travelling between the terminal and Fremantle on foot, people can still use the at-grade crossings at Fremantle station or Peter Hughes Drive and Beach Street,” Mr Hynes said.

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER