Stirling Bridge - Fremantle

Stirling Bridge is one of three bridges over the Swan River in the Fremantle area. The other two being the Fremantle Traffic Bridge and the Fremantle Rail Bridge. Both are due for replacement in late 2022. Stirling bridge connects Stirling Highway on the north side to Stirling Highway, at Canning Highway, on the south bank. It carries the bulk of vehicles across the river and services the nearby port of Fremantle. Most of the 605 000 TFU (Twenty Foot Equivelent) shipping containers from Fremantle's container facilities on the North side of the port travel via Stirling Bridge. The abutments are set back on the river banks to allow good visibility through the bridge. Constructed from reinforced concrete box girder construction, it opened in 1974.

Location

Stirling bridge is located on the Swan River between North and East Fremantle in the port city of Fremantle, or Freo, as the locals call it. Established in 1829 to service the new settlement of Perth, located 19km upstream. Fremantle is also known as Walyalup, the local indigenous Noogar people's name. Perth is the capital city of Western Australia, Australia's largest state. Today Fremantle is a popular tourist destination, with its history, the World Heritage listed Fremantle Prison and on water activities drawing crowds of local, inter state and overseas visitors. At the northern end of the bridge a walkway and park is a popular area for families and dog walkers to enjoy a relaxed walk along the Swan River shoreline. To the southern end a mural of one of Fremantle's greatest sons, Bon Scott of AC/DC fame, is painted on the wall of the Abutment entrance. A walkway leads along the bank of the river, popular with dog walkers and joggers. Nearby sits the Left Bank Bar. Grassed areas surround the north and south banks with benches, BBQ's and gazebos for everyone to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Stirling Highway travels north to Perth and south dividing up into Canning Highway, Leach Highway and High Road.

History

Perth was established in 1829, the first privately funded free settler colony in Australia, on the banks of the Swan River 19km from the river mouth port of Fremantle. Until the first bridge was opened in 1866, the usual way to cross the river was by ferry at Fremantle or Preston Point. In May 1863 construction started on the first bridge using convict labour. The bridge was opened in 1866 and became known as the North Fremantle Traffic Bridge. Thrity years later the bridge had deteriated and was derated and declared unsafe.

A temporary bridge was built downstream of the North Fremantle Traffic Bridge, to serve the population while the Traffic bridge was rebuilt. It was at a lower level and stronger. The bridge was opened in 1898 and became known as the Low Level Bridge and the North Fremantle Traffic Bridge became known as the High Level Bridge and downgraded to pedestrian only.

In 1909 the new High Level Bridge was opened. It was considered a new bridge due to the extent of the renovations to the old bridge. It had two traffic lanes and a tramway on the upstream side. By 1930 it was needing replacement and by December 1939 it was replaced.

With the Fremantle Port expecting to be extended east further along the Swan River, the decision was made to construct the bridge from timber. This bridge has had extensive repairs to keep it in use well into the 2020's. Due to the extent of deteriation the bridge is planned for demolition after a new traffic and rail bridge is constructed. The community is fighting hard to have either the whole or part of the bridge retained.

With the heavy industrial area of Kwinana containing a steel works, petrolium refinery and many other heavy industries and the Henderson area expanding with the construction of the Ocean Endeavour deep water drilling platform and ship building industry, the Striling Bridge was constructed. Opened by the premier of Western Australia, Sir Charles Court, OBE, MLA, on 17 May 1974, 3 months ahead of schedule. At 415 metres long it was the the longest in Western Australia. Designed by Maunsell and Partners Pty Ltd and constructed by J.O. Clough & Son Pty Ltd.

Statistics