Boorloo Bridge - former Swan River Causeway Bridge
New landmark bridge in Perth
The pedestrian and cyclist bridge will be constructed downstream of the heritage-listed Causeway Bridge, providing improved access across the Swan River.
- Location
- Perth, Australia
- Category
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridges
- Year
- 2020 - 2025
- Client
- Perth City
- Collaborators
- WSP Australia Pty Ltd / Seymour Whyte Construction Pty Ltd / Civmec Construction and Engineering Pty Ltd / Hassell
Together with the Civmec SWC WSP team, Dissing+Weitling is designing the new Boorloo Bridge in Perth, Australia.
The design of the structural elements of the bridges derive inspiration from the stories of Fanny Balbuk and Yagan - two key figures associated with Heirisson Island. The bridge is part of a major infrastructure plan, aiming to encourage more people to consider walking and riding as a transport option in the area. It will improve safety for the estimated 3,000 cyclists and pedestrians who will use it daily.
The design draws on Aboriginal history
The design features two cable-stayed bridges spanning Heirisson Island, with pylons artistically shaped to symbolize digging sticks and a boomerang, reflecting key Noongar stories. To honor the spiritual and cultural importance of the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River) to Perth's First Nations peoples, the number of support structures within the river is thoughtfully limited to three.
The bridge embodies an iconic structural language that is easily recognizable to the public and reflects an ambitious architectural appearance; the simplistic and elegant design has slender proportions that makes the structure both visually and physically light.
Works started in November 2023 and are anticipated to be completed in both channels in Spring 2024. Photo: Goverment of Western Australia. Lighting design
The design provides a harmonious appearance of lighting that fits well with the shape and structure of the bridge at the same time the lighting avoid negative impact on the environment.
The stay cables, measuring between 17m and 94m, can light up in various colours and images.
Access for everybody
The alignment and design were carried out using a dialogue-based approach process with the local population on the special location and cultural context.
The overall alignment and accessibility of the bridge and supporting spaces has been designed under the umbrella of Universal Design and accessibility for both pedestrians and cyclists, including people with disabilities so the bridge is safe for everyone.
Dissing+Weitling's winning design for the Swan River Bridge is following another grand bridge project in Brisbane, Australia, the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge.
Visualisations
The winning team is:
WSP Australia Pty Ltd
Seymour Whyte Construction Pty Ltd
Civmec Construction and Engineering Pty Ltd
Dissing+Weitling
Hassell