Perth bike riders should be travelling across the Swan River and Heirisson Island on a winding sculptural bridge to the CBD by the end of the year.
The main structures of the Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges are in place and the project will soon provide the thousands of bike riders and walkers with a dedicated corridor for active travel.
The project, co-funded by the WA and federal governments, consists of two cable-stayed bridges strung between McCallum Park, Heirisson Island and Point Fraser.
The bridges will be six metres wide and stretch for around one kilometre. They will offer a peaceful alternative to the existing causeway, which features four motor vehicle lanes and a narrow shared path.
The cultural landmark was designed in collaboration with the Matagarup Elders Group and the bridges will feature a pronounced S-shaped curve to represent the Wagyl (rainbow serpent), towering pylons inspired by wannas (digging sticks) and the koylie (boomerang), plus public art created by local Noongar artists.
Construction kicked off last year and the pylons and 16 bridge modules are in place. Next, workers will turn their attention to installing lighting, artworks, public amenities and extensive landscaping.
The landscaping program includes plantation of 90,000 shrubs, 200 trees on McCallum Park, 350 trees on Heirisson Island and 140 trees on Point Fraser.
"This is going to be Western Australia's most iconic bridge – a stunning new river crossing with state-of-the-art lighting, and incredible structures like the 50-metre-tall cable-stayed boomerang pier,” says WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.
"More importantly, it will provide some 3000 pedestrians with safer access across the river, with the existing path on the Causeway Bridge well beyond its capacity.
“This new infrastructure makes walking and riding safer and convenient, encouraging people to consider more active transport modes.”
The video below offers a look at the installation of the boomerang-inspired pylon.
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