‘Complex’ Perth Stadium footbridge suffers yet another setback
The much-anticipated opening of the pedestrian footbridge connecting East Perth to the new Perth Stadium has once again been delayed.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has confirmed the May target would not be met, with the 370-metre long Matagarup Bidge now expected to open at the end of June.
She said there was "still a chance" the bridge would be ready in time for the stadium's first Thursday night game, on June 21.
That clash between the West Coast Eagles and Essendon is expected to attract a large crowd — and with a bouncedown time of just after 6:00pm, peak hour traffic could be affected.
Ms Saffioti confirmed there would be no crowd cap for the game, and contingencies were being developed to ensure traffic and public transport demands could be managed.
"I've already spoken to the Public Transport Authority and we have two plans being developed, one with bridge one without bridge," Ms Saffioti said.
"But our commitment is to get Eagles and Essendon fans to the game."
Work to install a number of large steel arches to the structure has been completed, and bridge decking is now being installed.
Weather blamed for hold-up
The Minister said the latest delay to the opening date was due to wind and weather conditions impacting on construction.
"It's disappointing but I've seen house extensions that have been delayed more than this bridge," Ms Saffioti said.
"This is the most complex bridge ever built in WA."
Ms Saffioti said the latest delay would mean the river would continue to be closed between Burswood and East Perth, further affecting some ferry operators.
"The target to open the river [is] in mid-June, but we have also got another big announcement which will be the opening of the jetty too," she said.
"That will be happening in a few weeks once the rivers open."
The original contract for the bridge was awarded by the previous Barnett government in May 2015.
In August last year, the McGowan Government signed a new contract for the steel arches to be fabricated locally.
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