The approximate area where the Swan River Pedestrian Bridge will be located
By Jessica Watson
Preliminary works are underway for the new Perth Stadium but did you wonder how all the patrons will be able to get to and from the venue?
Transport Minister Mr Dean Nalder said that a new Swan River Pedestrian Bridge will be a way to shift stadium patrons’ reliance away from using their cars.
“The Swan River Pedestrian Bridge will connect East Perth to the Burswood Peninsula, ensuring the efficient and safe movement of spectators within an hour to and from the Stadium and Sports Precinct,” says Mr Gemma Hussey, Project officer with the Department of Sport and Recreation.
The bridge has been carefully planned to stretch from the Burswood Peninsula to East Perth near Nelson Avenue, which will be the pick-up point for Transperth’s free CAT bus service.
On event days up to 14,300 patrons are expected to use the bridge.
The bridge will be approximately 400 metres in length over the Swan River, and at least eight metres wide.
Existing pathways on the foreshore will be retained and pass under the bridge.
The Environmental Protection Authority says an environmental management plan will need to be in place and approved before any work can begin.
“The bridge will be designed to have minimal impact on its surrounds, and the PTA will continue to work closely with Swan River Trust and environmental regulators throughout the planning and construction phase,” says Mr David Hynes, spokesman for the Public Transport Authority.
“Contractors for projects such as bridges are required to incorporate sound environmental principles into the project’s management and integrate a high standard of protection to the marine environment, site rehabilitation and revegetation,” says Miss Kate Harrison, a Perth land surveyor.
The bridge is expected to be completed by December 2016.