The national Freight and Trade Alliance, Container Transport Alliance Australia and the WA-based Western Roads Federation formed a united front in the form of an industry group this month to come up with "practical, industry-led solutions" to keep traffic and essential goods moving to and from the Port of Fremantle.
Freight and Trade Alliance head of business operations John Park has been appointed to chair the group, saying it has been told "loud and clear" by the WA Government it is up to industry to "find solutions".
Mr Park said the bridge closure would place increased pressure on already-constrained infrastructure, particularly during peak commuter periods — affecting not only freight movements, but the broader community.
"It is up to industry to find solutions that lessen likely impacts of congestion on freight costs and delays," he said.
"Big infrastructure changes like this don't just impact trucks, they impact commuters, local businesses and supply chains.
"Without sensible planning, congestion will increase across the network."