Perth Causeway Bridges
Following the establishment of the Main Roads Department of Western Australia in 1926, the upgrade of the existing Causeway became an important matter. Serious planning for replacement bridges continued during the 1930s. In this period considerable work was done to dredge the river channels to provide much wider navigation channels.
It was recognised by 1940 that the existing bridges had to be replaced but shortages of construction materials due to the Second World War resulted in more major repairs being carried out in 1943 to make the bridges safe for at least another five years. The bridges which were built in the period 1947-1952 were the first truly modern bridges built in Western Australia following World War 2. The eastern bridge was the first to be completed, and was opened to traffic in September 1952, with traffic continuing to use the other two bridges of the previous causeway until the western bridge was completed.
Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
| Marker Type | Engineering Heritage Marker (EHM) |
| Award Date | 19 September 2012 |
| Heritage Significance | Main Roads WA adopted the composite steel and concrete construction method which had its Australian origins in Tasmania. Moreover, they introduced a construction refinement by jacking up the support girders before concreting, removing the jacks after the concrete had cured, which transferred compression into the concrete of the deck, thus controlling shrinkage cracking resulting from future heavy traffic loading. |
| Nomination Document | Available here. |
| Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report |
Ceremony Booklet available here. Ceremony Report available here. |
| Plaque/Interpretation Panel | Available here. |
