Prime Minister Scott Morrison and WA Premier Mark McGowan today announced an additional $50 million towards the Swan River Bridge project, bringing funding to a total of $100 million.

The injection is part of the $1.69 billion Perth City Deal, which includes the bridge project and construction of an Edith Cowan University campus in the CBD.

According to Main Roads, the Matagarup Elders Group were consulted throughout the bridge planning process regarding Heirisson Island and its possible impacts, as the island is a source of strong historical and cultural connections for the Noongar people.

The bridge is said to create a safer route for cyclists and pedestrians by giving them an alternative to the causeway, which is seen as unsafe for cyclists and pedestrians who have to share the narrow path running parallel to the busy motorway.

WA Transport and Planning Minister Rita Saffioti believes the project will mirror the recently completed Matagarup Bridge.

“The new bridge will become a meeting point for cyclists, pedestrians and families, while also providing a new tourism experience,” she says.

About 1,500 pedestrians and 2,000 cyclists use the causeway bridge daily, and community support for the project is high.

The bridge will be six metres wide with dedicated pedestrian and cyclist lanes, to be fully fabricated and built by Western Australian companies.

Construction is expected to start in mid-2022.