SMEC Australia has been appointed as the Independent Verifier for the Swan River Crossing Project in Western Australia.

The project is one of the most complex and challenging projects undertaken by Main Roads, involving road, port, freight, river, walking, cycling, heritage, and environmental considerations. It includes replacement of the existing Fremantle Traffic Bridge, provision of safe and modern standard pedestrian and cycling infrastructure over the Swan River, increase in marine safety and navigational clearances for river users and acknowledgement of both European and Aboriginal heritage of the area through the design.

 

SMEC are undertaking the Independent Verification role for the major design components including the traffic bridge, road, and shared paths, geotechnical, groundwater, waterways, drainage, electrical, noise assessments, and miscellaneous structural elements such as retaining and noise walls.

 

Additionally, SMEC will be providing expert independent verification of the bridge which will be Australia’s only extradosed bridge, a design that incorporates both cantilevers and cable support.

"Replacement of the bridge in the same position as the existing Fremantle Traffic Bridge and maintaining the existing road layout allows for minimal impact on the southern escarpment whilst ensuring a safer crossing with much bigger and better pathways for pedestrians and cyclists. With services relocation work commencing, we are delighted to be part of the Laing O'Rourke team to deliver this iconic infrastructure project for Western Australia".
— Knasan Padayachee, SMEC Manager - Roads and Highways, Perth, stated

This appointment further builds upon SMEC’s provision of similar Independent Verification services for the Mandurah Estuary Bridge Duplication Project, the Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges Project, and the Halls Creek to Kununurra Bridges (Kimberley Bridges) Project and supporting the Western Australian government in providing reliable and safe infrastructure for its communities.