THERE was a palpable sense of joy in the air on Sunday as 15,000 people turned out to open Fremantle’s new traffic bridge.
It was a far cry from the couple of hundred people and roughly 30 cars that welcomed its predecessor when it was opened by then-premier John Willcock in 1939.
Ribbon-cutting duties were handed to deputy premier Rita Saffioti, federal Fremantle Labor MP Josh Wilson and state Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk, with some help from Bicton MLA Lisa O’Malley and WA Heritage Council chair Darren Foster.
Ms Saffioti described the extra-dosed bridge, now officially called Walyalup, as “once in a generation” infrastructure.
“From motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to the ferries and boats below, this new bridge will make the journey safer and smoother for everyone,” Ms Saffioti said.
She also defended the cost, which at $596 million, was almost double the original estimate.
• Ribbon cutting duties for the new Walyalup Bridge went to Labor politicians Lisa O’Malley, Josh Wilson, Rita Saffioti and Simone McGurk, along with transport department director general Peter Woronzow. Photos by Liang Xu, courtesy Josh Wilson’s office
Ms Saffioti said redesigning the bridge several times to respond to community feedback had pushed up the project’s cost.
“We came up with a method that disrupted the community the least, that delivered the best outcome.”
Mr Wilson picked up the “joy” vibe of the day, saying it was a “much-needed transformation of this critical cross-river link”.
“The work itself has been something to behold, and I know that for many of us it’s been a magic experience seeing the concrete towers emerge, seeing the triangle making cables affix themselves high and low like sail rigging or salt lines, and watching all the shapes emerge as new windows that frame our working port.”
• Viewing platforms provide visitors with stunning views across Fremantle and its port. Photo by Liang Xu
The day also featured a turnout of One Nation supporters, but Pauline’s posse might have been hoping for a bit more impact as they marched up to the bridge, with the 30-odd orange shirts swamped by the large crowd.
by STEVE GRANT