Matagarup Bridge and Optus Stadium from East Perth
Cyclists and foot traffic crossing the bridge
![sun through arches[1]](https://canningspurple.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/sun-through-arches1.jpg)
Sunset from the peak of Matagarup Bridge
Matagarup Bridge as seen from Burswood
Seagull over the Swan River near the Matagarup Bridge
Building a new Perth icon
Engagement the key to bridge's success
Perth’s Matagarup Bridge links the entertainment precinct at Burswood Peninsula with East Perth and the City.
It's an incredible feat of engineering, showcasing sophisticated design and WA workmanship. As the planning and construction came together we were part of the team, managing the complex stakeholder relationships which are a feature of any large-scale infrastructure project.
It's an incredible feat of engineering, showcasing sophisticated design and WA workmanship. As the planning and construction came together we were part of the team, managing the complex stakeholder relationships which are a feature of any large-scale infrastructure project.
The challenge
The range of stakeholders potentially impacted by the construction spanned the full range of cultural, environmental, commercial and recreational interests.
A long period of over-water construction moving mammoth sections of assembled steel required the full closure of a 600-metre stretch of the river to all vessels, including commercial ferry operators, for more than two months.
And as construction advanced, an Australian-first series of dynamic tests were needed to meet the engineering requirements for public access. The events required the recruitment and activation of more than 1,200 people for the first stage, and then a specialist group to carry out synchronised exercises.
A long period of over-water construction moving mammoth sections of assembled steel required the full closure of a 600-metre stretch of the river to all vessels, including commercial ferry operators, for more than two months.
And as construction advanced, an Australian-first series of dynamic tests were needed to meet the engineering requirements for public access. The events required the recruitment and activation of more than 1,200 people for the first stage, and then a specialist group to carry out synchronised exercises.
Our approach
We delivered a combination of bespoke and detailed engagement through face-to-face consultation and negotiation with the Whadjuk Working Party, local resident groups, local governments, regulators, neighbouring enterprises, institutions and special interest groups.
We coordinated and delivered tailored management packages to assist commercial operators affected by the river closure, which included establishing alternative points of business and coordinating services to facilitate ongoing operations.
We encouraged community interest in the opening by generating excitement and participation in the testing events, coordinating “first walk” events and then recruiting State Emergency Service WA volunteers for the specialist component of testing.
We coordinated and delivered tailored management packages to assist commercial operators affected by the river closure, which included establishing alternative points of business and coordinating services to facilitate ongoing operations.
We encouraged community interest in the opening by generating excitement and participation in the testing events, coordinating “first walk” events and then recruiting State Emergency Service WA volunteers for the specialist component of testing.
Our results
Matagarup Bridge was opened for public use on 14 July 2018, less than six months after the first steel modules were delivered to site
Commercial operators quickly adapted to the river disruptions while regular communication and a flexible approach to engaging with recreational boaties protected the team from public criticism through media or other forums.
The testing events were successfully coordinated to achieve both social and technical objectives. Interested members of the public and key stakeholders had privileged access to the bridge and helped contribute to its opening, while engineers achieved the data points they needed to confirm the bridge performed to design.
The testing events were successfully coordinated to achieve both social and technical objectives. Interested members of the public and key stakeholders had privileged access to the bridge and helped contribute to its opening, while engineers achieved the data points they needed to confirm the bridge performed to design.
Locations
Perth (Head Office)
Level 1, Brookfield Place Tower 2
123 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000
Brisbane
Level 34, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane , QLD 4000
Sydney
Level 4, 30 The Bond
30-34 Hickson Road Millers Point NSW 2000
Canberra
Level 2, 13B National Press Club
16 National Circuit Barton ACT 2600T
Melbourne
Level 5, 350 Queen St Melbourne VIC 3000
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