Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges | Main Roads Western Australia

What's Happening

It’s official! The Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges project has been named ‘Boorloo Bridge’.

This new, iconic Perth landmark is now known as Boorloo Bridge in recognition of the Whadjuk Noongar culture and history which has been embedded into the design. We recognise and acknowledge the valuable contribution over the last three years from the Matagarup Elders Group (MEG) who have been instrumental in ensuring accurate cultural narrative of the bridge to encourage awareness, understanding and appreciation of Noongar culture.

Construction of the bridge commenced in 2023 with the works undertaken by the Causeway Link Alliance, comprising Civmec, Seymour Whyte, WSP and Main Roads.

Two cable stayed bridge have been constructed 90 metres downstream of the existing Causeway Bridge, comprising a six-metre-wide segregated path connecting Victoria Park foreshore, Heirisson Island and Perth’s CBD at Point Fraser.

The bridge will significantly improve connectivity, safety and amenity for the thousands of pedestrians and cyclists heading in and out of the city. In addition, the area around the bridge will be activated with extensive landscaping, unique public art, new seating and rest points allowing visitors to explore, rest and enjoy the scenery.

Opening event

All are invited to celebrate the opening at a very special twilight, free, family friendly event.

Date: Sunday 22 December 2024

Bring your family and friends to enjoy a variety of entertainment and activities.

This will be the first opportunity to walk, wheel and ride across the bridge and pose for a selfie next to the boomerang and digging stick pylons! There are plenty of new spaces to explore in McCallum Park, Heirisson Island and Point Fraser where you will discover murals, sculptures, wayfinding, and plenty of seating to rest, relax and recharge while enjoying the stunning views of the new bridge and the Swan River.

The highlight of the twilight event will be a firework display signalling the much anticipated turning on of the state-of-the-art feature lighting on the bridge. A very special lighting program has been created to celebrate the bridge opening which will illuminate this new landmark in a way never seen before in Perth!

Sign up for project updates to stay informed or keep an eye on our socials for further information about the opening event.

How were the bridges’ design and location chosen?

What do the digging stick-inspired pylons represent?

What does the boomerang-inspired pylon represent?

Will access to the northern navigation channel be maintained during the river works?

What construction impacts will there be?

How will the bridges be constructed?

How do river users keep informed about river works?

Will access to the southern channel be maintained for water skiers during the river works?

Scope

Two cable stayed bridges will be constructed, approximately 90 metres downstream of the existing Causeway Bridge, comprising a six metre wide segregated path, connecting Victoria Park foreshore, Heirisson Island and Perth’s CBD at Point Fraser. There will be dedicated rest points along the bridges, which are being built for path users, not vehicles.

The innovative design has been developed in consultation with key stakeholders including local governments, Traditional Owners and specialist groups, taking into consideration path user requirements, local developments on either side of the bridges, future maritime height allowances and the needs of river users. The design will reflect and embed Whadjuk Noongar culture, recognising the significance of Aboriginal heritage at Heirisson Island and the Swan River.

The scope also includes a number of enabling activities and activation works for the Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges project. These include:

Temporary works to facilitate the bridges construction, including the realignment of Riverside Drive and the Principal Shared Path (PSP) connections.
The replacement of a near 100-year-old water main on a new alignment.
Temporary river works to facilitate construction and boating navigation during the construction period.
Enhanced landscaping and design elements to meet City of Perth and the Town of Victoria Park aspirations for the new bridges.
Inclusion of Aboriginal sculptures and installations to recognise and respect the importance of the area to the Whadjuk Noongar people and also to educate and celebrate the Aboriginal history of the surrounding area.
Enhanced lighting to maximise the opportunity the unique design offers to create a landmark, a sense of place and promote Perth at both a domestic and international level.

* The scope does not include the existing Causeway Bridge, which will remain in place for vehicles.

In April 2022, a contract was awarded to Causeway Link Alliance, comprising Civmec Construction and Engineering Pty Ltd, Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd, WSP Australia Pty Ltd and Main Roads WA, to design and construct this iconic project.

Aboriginal Engagement and Heritage

An Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan has been developed which outlines how the project will identify, manage and protect Aboriginal cultural heritage. As part of this, archaeological digging has been undertaken at specific sites on Heirisson Island.

Check out the video below for more information.

We recognise that this site holds strong cultural significance to Aboriginal people. We acknowledge the importance of ensuring the cultural heritage values of the area are respected, protected and celebrated. As such, we expect extensive, ongoing engagement with local Traditional Custodians and Noongar community members.

We hosted the inaugural Aboriginal Elders advisory group meeting in September 2021 and have held many further meetings to date. The group’s name, Matagarup Elders Group (MEG), was decided by its members and is symbolic of the project footprint on the Swan River near Heirisson Island, which Aboriginal people refer to as “matagarup”, meaning “a place where the river is only leg deep” (also known as “muddy knees”).

The MEG will provide valuable cultural input and inform the design of the bridges and the pathway. Traditionally, the site of this project had specific areas for “women’s” and “men’s” business, therefore the MEG consists of eighteen members, with equal male and female representation for each of the families recognised as having cultural connection to the area.

As part of the development of tender proposals, members of the MEG were involved in interactive workshops with the proponents to ensure their input to design was captured meaningfully and appropriately.

By acknowledging the deep cultural significance and connection to the land, and involving Matagarup Elders throughout the planning, design and construction of this project, we strive to ensure that together, we will deliver an iconic, culturally-sensitive legacy project that all stakeholders and community members can connect to with a sense of shared ownership and immense satisfaction.

Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges - Aboriginal Heritage - MEG 1

Environment and Sustainability

Community

Project Publications

FAQ

Concept only - Subject to change

Improve

safety, connectivity & amenity

Reduce

conflicts between cyclists & pedestrians

Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges - Project Map small - May 23.png — Click image to enlarge

Planning and development
2020-22
Construction start
Early-2023
McCallum Bridge installation
Mid 2024
Point Fraser Bridge installation
Late 2024
Riverside works including public art and landscaping
Late 2024
Construction complete
Late-2024

Next Steps to Bridge Completion - May to December 2024

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Roadworks

Riverside Drive (City Bound) at Point Fraser
3 October 2023 to late 2024
Ongoing
Travel Map
- Temporary Slip Lane Open
- Speed limit reduced to 40 km/hr
- Eastbound lanes are not affected
- Map

Marine Works

Between Point Fraser and Heirisson Island
From Mid-January to Mid-Spring 2024
Ongoing
- Contact spotter vessels on VHF 74 to escort you through the channel during work hours
- Follow signage and instructions from spotter vessels
- There may be minor delays for all vessels
- Map

Path detours

Point Fraser
From mid-February 2024 to late 2024
Ongoing
- Pedestrians and cyclists are using one shared path
- Proceed with caution and follow signage
- Detour in place until early December 2024
- Travel Map
McCallum Park
From June 2023 to late 2024
Ongoing
- Access restricted to the foreshore in front of the work site
- Pedestrians and cyclists now using one shared path
- Proceed with caution and follow signage
- Site boundary extended east towards the existing Causeway Bridge to allow for landscaping works
- Detour
- Travel Map

Boorloo Bridge (Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges Project)

What's Happening

Opening event

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