A tale of bridges over the Derbarl Yerrigan at Walyalup
The new Walyalup Bridge over the Swan River in Fremantle is due to open on 1 November 2026, described as Australia's first extradosed bridge. The history traces river crossings back to Whadjuk Noongar use of the shallows, followed by colonial bridges from 1866 onward. Replacement planning began in 2019 after the Fremantle Traffic Bridge, opened in 1939, outlived its intended life. Consultation with community and Whadjuk Elders shaped the final design, with construction starting in 2024. Costs have risen from an initial $280 million estimate to $596 million, shared equally by state and federal governments.