As members / industry would be aware the Fremantle Traffic Bridge will close on 1 February 2026 to make way for the completion of the new Bridge. This means approximately 23,000 additional passenger vehicles per day diverting to the Stirling Bridge which understandably will create congestion - just how much congestion we do not know at this stage.

Industry position

The Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has been working with Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) and the Western Roads Federation (WRF) to coordinate forums with industry participants to discuss the closure and how industry can make adjustments to minimise congestions / delays and extra costs.

Whilst the Department of Transport (DoT has now taken off the table "laden container truck restrictions ", it has been made very clear that they may still be considered if congestion becomes unmanageable - read "industry needs to solve the congestion".

What we have done so far is to discuss with stevedores, empty container parks , rail and shipping lines what can be done to manage the potential congestion / delays and extra costs.

The major outcome of those discussions has been communication - both within the industry and importantly with your importer / exporter clients.

Over the next 12 months there will be a need to review operations across all facets of the supply chain from wharf to transport to importers / exporters. There will be a need to "think outside the box". 

The industry guide below shows the current situation with stevedores / empty container parks, rail and shipping lines. We strongly urge you to review this information and have discussions with your transport carriers / importer /  exporter clients to see what you can change to ensure your cargo moves efficiently and without added costs or delays.

INDUSTRY GUIDE

FTA, in coordination with CTAA and WRF will continue to work with other industry stakeholders to present a unified position to government that highlights practical, evidence-based solutions around the expanded use of High Productivity Freight Vehicles (HPFVs) to reduce total truck movements

Further updates will be provided as discussions progress.